A News Agency

Saar described von der Leyen’s statements as regrettable, adding: “Some of these statements have been tainted by the false propaganda of Hamas and its partners. Europe is once again sending the wrong message, strengthening Hamas and the radical axis in the Middle East.”

He stressed that Israel, as the world’s only Jewish state and the only democracy in the Middle East, is fighting an existential war against extremist enemies who seek to destroy it, and said that the international community must stand by Israel in this struggle.

Saar added that von der Leyen’s yielding to the pressure of elements seeking to weaken Israel–Europe relations was a mistake: “This trend is also against the interests of European states. And most importantly: it is an unacceptable attitude between partners.”