Patricia Deen
Spokesperson
Embassy of Israel in Wellington
Wellington, 24 June 2020
The concern expressed in the New Zealand Government press release of 23 June 2020 is based on a prediction, however no official Israeli decision has been made or action plan has been taken regarding the issue of concern.
New Zealand as a friend of Israel that supports the right of the State of Israel to live in peace and in accordance with New Zealand’s claim of a balanced approach to the Middle East Peace Process does not refer in its statement to the fact that the Palestinian Authority has unilaterally abandoned direct peace negotiations with Israel since 2014 and there was no call in the statement for the Palestinians to return to the negotiation table with Israel.
In fact, the constructive way, sought by New Zealand in the Press Release, is the Israeli way which represents a significant opportunity that is embedded in President Trump’s peace initiative.
This plan will be pursued responsibly in coordination with the United States as well as dialogue with our Arab State neighbours while maintaining Israel’s Peace Agreements and national strategic interests with a focus on peace and security.