Edelstein in Prague: Europe will understand Israel's problems when IS reaches it

Knesset Speaker will continue from Czech Republic to Oslo for world convention of parliamentary speakers.

By LAHAV HARKOV
Yuli Edelstein (photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)
Yuli Edelstein
(photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)
Islamic terrorism is a threat to all humankind, Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein told Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka in Prague on Wednesday.
“When Islamic State reaches Europe, everyone will understand what Hamas meant for Israel,” Edelstein warned. “We must eradicate Islamic terrorism for the good of humankind.”
Edelstein expressed hope that the Czech Republic will continue to stand up for Israel’s right to defend itself in European fora and in the UN.
The Knesset Speaker discouraged Sobotka from having his country upgrade relations with Iran, as the Czech Republic is considering sending an ambassador there and increasing trade with Theran.
Edelstein explained that disregarding sanctions would be a victory for the Iranian regime.
Sobotka said his country will continue its unqualified support of Israel, adding that the friendship between the countries spans foreign affairs and defense matters, as well as economics, innovation, culture and tourism.
Edelstein met with Sobotka in one of several high-level meetings he held on his visit to the Czech Republic.
On Thursday, he will continue to Oslo for a convention of parliamentary speakers from around the world.
Edelstein is expected to meet with parliamentary speakers from Germany, Norway, Ireland, Montenegro and Azerbaijan at the conference, and plans to emphasize that Israel will defend itself as longs as its citizens’ lives are in danger.
“This is an opportunity to explain the importance of [Operation Protective Edge] and, no less important than that, is the need to fight dangers that await Israel like boycotts and manifestations of anti-Semitism,” Edelstein said Sunday.