Clashes in Zagreb over Israeli minister

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar assessed yesterday in Zagreb that recognizing the independence of Palestine would destabilize the Middle East and praised the position of the Croatian Government, which, as he said, was not swayed by the French initiative to recognize the Palestinian state.

"For peace, it is important to continue on this path, as Croatia, Germany and Italy, which understand that peace will be achieved in a bilateral context, not through unilateral decisions," said Sarr at a joint press conference with Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman, reported the Beta agency.

He was reacting to French President Emmanuel Macron's announcement that France would recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly session.

Britain, France, Canada, Australia and Belgium said they would recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly later this month, although London has said it may back down if Israel takes steps to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and commits to a long-term peace process. Of the 193 UN member states, 147 have recognized a Palestinian state.

Saar praised Croatia, Germany and Italy, who, as he claims, "did not allow themselves to be drawn into the French initiative" and who "understood that it was not something that would bring us closer to peace, stability and security."

He assessed that these are "just countries that contribute to humanitarian issues" and added that those countries, like Spain, which he claims are under the influence of Hamas propaganda, "contribute to destabilization in the Middle East."

"The current initiative to recognize the so-called Palestinian state rewards Hamas for the massacre of October 7 (2023)," said Sarr. He said he appreciated Croatia's efforts for peace and the fight against terrorism.

Spain has been a strong critic of Israel's actions in Gaza. Last year, it joined Norway and Ireland in formally recognizing a Palestinian state and became the first European country to ask the International Court of Justice for permission to join South Africa's case against Israel over allegations of genocide in Gaza.

When asked by reporters about Croatian President Zoran Milanović's statement that Israeli actions in Gaza constitute ethnic cleansing and that the government in Jerusalem is criminal, as well as calls for the Croatian government to recognize Palestine, Saar rejected the accusations, saying that Israel has also been attacked by "some politicians in friendly countries."

"As for the president of Croatia, and some other politicians, it is regrettable. I am sorry that we are being attacked at a time when radical Islam is attacking us from all fronts," said Sar.

He reminded that "in the past, Croatia was also accused, but in the end we know what happened and we know that these were not fair accusations."

Grlić Radman stated that the Croatian government advocates a two-state solution as a result of dialogue and the peace process.

"I conveyed our concerns about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and stressed the importance of the immediate and unconditional release of all Israeli hostages, and the security of Israel," he said.

Minister Sara, who is on an official visit to Zagreb, was received by Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković, but he did not meet with President Milanović, who has repeatedly harshly criticized the Israeli government and advocated for the recognition of Palestine.

Plenković and Milanović, who come from different political parties, have opposing views on many issues, and they also disagree when it comes to policy towards Israel and Palestine.

The government statement states that yesterday's talks with the Israeli minister were "focused on alleviating the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and further international political and diplomatic efforts to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which began after the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel in October 2023."

During the meeting, Plenković said that the main priority is the earliest possible ceasefire and the protection of civilians.

"It is necessary to urgently end the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, implement the release of all hostages, and ensure the unhindered delivery of aid to the vulnerable population, especially women and children," said Plenković.

He added that the Croatian Government will continue dialogue with all stakeholders and will be firmly committed to lasting peace and security, as well as achieving a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.

The President of Croatia yesterday criticized the Croatian government for Gideon Sara's arrival in Zagreb and assessed that by meeting with him, the government supported the policy of violence, ethnic cleansing and war crimes.

"Why was the Israeli Foreign Minister invited to Zagreb and why did the Speaker of the Croatian Parliament, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs meet with him? At a time when the Israeli government and army are expelling the entire population of Gaza City and announcing an attack on that city of one million inhabitants, meeting with a member of that same government is actually supporting Israel's policy of violence, ethnic cleansing and war crimes," Milanović wrote on Facebook.

"Instead of initiating the process of recognizing the Palestinian state as the first step in achieving a two-state solution and lasting peace in the Middle East, the Croatian Government is supporting Israeli officials who unequivocally stand behind the policy of war and violence," Milanović wrote.

He added that "how wrong it is to meet with a member of the Israeli government is also shown by his statement yesterday in which he compares the Croatian Homeland War and the Israeli aggression on Gaza."

"This is offensive to Croatia and all the victims of the aggression against Croatia because Croatia defended itself, unlike Israel, which is rampaging and killing tens of thousands of people in Gaza," the Croatian president said.

Milanović added that the center of Zagreb was blocked for hours due to the arrival of the Israeli minister, which "does not happen even when much more distinguished and important guests come to Croatia."