Israel responds to expulsion of Israeli ambassador to Venezuela

In response to the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry announcing the expulsion of all embassy personnel, the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem said that Israel will continue to protect itself from its enemies, amongst them Hamas and Iran, Israel Radio reported. The Foreign Ministry added that every country must decide whether it is on the side which is fighting terrorism, or the side supporting it. The Venezuelan came in response to Israel's military offensive in the Gaza Strip. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has condemned the Israeli campaign in Gaza, where nearly 600 Palestinians have been killed in ground and air strikes.