President Petr Pavel landed in Tel Aviv on Monday morning, embarking on an official visit to Israel. His diplomatic itinerary includes discussions with President Jicchak Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and other key representatives of the Jewish state.
The Czech president declared solidarity with Israel and highlighted the necessity of protecting civilians on both sides of the conflict. He cautioned against ‘blurring reality’ and reminded that the Jewish state is not the aggressor in the conflict and has the right to self-defense.
President Pavel also appealed for humanitarian aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip. According to Herzog, bureaucratic hurdles from the United Nations and distribution issues on the ground currently impede more excellent assistance.
During his visit, Pavel is set to meet with families of hostages who were kidnapped in October last year by the terrorist group Hamas. In reaction to the October 7 attack, Israel launched a comprehensive operation in the Gaza Strip.
The president’s office disclosed plans for the trip to Israel last week without specifying a date. Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS) and Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský (Pirates) have visited the country since the Hamas attack.
Following his Israel visit, President Pavel will head to Qatar, where he is scheduled to meet with the Emir, the Deputy Prime Minister, and Defense Minister Khalid bin Muhammad Attiyah. He will also engage with compatriots at the Czech embassy in Doha.