2024-03-08 10:44:33
For Gil Artzyeli, this “regrettable” decision will cause him to reconsider having a defense attaché at the Embassy.
The Israeli ambassador in Chile, Gil Artzyelireferred to the determination of the Boric Government to exclude Israeli companies from the 2024 International Air and Space Fair (FIDAE).which is organized by the Chilean Air Force (FACh), and which will take place from April 9 to 14.
In this context, the diplomat rejected comparisons with Russia, a country that was also excluded from the fair.
“It is a regrettable decision. There is a profound difference between Israel and Russia. Russia is the aggressor that attacked Ukraine and we were attacked on October 7. We are exercising our right to self-defense“The diplomat told Radio Biobío.
Israeli Ambassador to Chile describes the Government’s decision as “regrettable”
Continuing along that line, Gil Artzyeli maintained that it is “very unfortunate” that Palestinian civilians have been killed, although he assured that the responsibility for this situation lies with Hamas, since “it does not allow the civilian population to hide under the tunnels as we protect our population in Israel.”
“It is difficult to say that it is a surprise, or a negative doctrine towards Israel, since my arrival here. From the first day and even before (…). It is unfortunate and taking into account that the relationship between the states was very deep for so many years. Now these relationships are harmed in defense issues,” she added.
Following the Government’s decision to exclude Israeli companies from FIDAE 2024, the ambassador said that in Jerusalem “they are going to consider whether there is justification for having a defense attaché in the Embassy” and that “We will consider the justification for keeping him here or moving him to a friendlier country.“.
To close, in conversation with Chileivisón, the ambassador once again regretted the Government’s decision to “disinvite Israeli companies from participating in FIDAE and thus harm bilateral relations of more than 70 years; a very deep security cooperation with the Navy, with the Air Force, for more than 50 years.”