MK Majalli Whbee, 'What about our children?'
Photo: Knesset website
Erdogan, 'Israel harmed women, children'
Photo: Reuters
MK Whbee to Erdogan: You must be objective
Former deputy foreign minister representing Israel at Istanbul conference approaches Turkish PM after speech on Israel's conduct in Gaza, tells him, 'Don't forget children of Israel who suffered rocket attacks for eight years'
Kadima MK and former Deputy Foreign Minister Majalli Whbee addressed Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a conference in Istanbul on Friday, and responded to the latter's criticism against Israel.
"I told him that, as a mediator between Israel and Syria, you must be more balanced," Whbee said, after Erdogan again accused Israel of attacking women, children and elderly in the Gaza Strip during Operation Cast Lead.
The encounter took place after Erdogan's speech at the Euro-Med Conference, which was attended by 29 countries from the Middle East. Whbee represented the Knesset.
During his speech Erdogan once again voiced his accusations that Israel harmed innocent civilians during the January war. After he concluded his speech, he was approached by the Kadima MK.
"I got the courage, got up and approached him at the end of his speech because I didn’t want to disturb him in the middle, for fear he would attack me. I shook his hand and I told him, 'Sir, when you speak of the children of Gaza, don't forget about the children of Israel, the women and the elderly that have been suffering rocket attack for eight years'," Whbee said.
"I told him that as someone who had been given the honorable position by Israel to mediate between us and Syria, like no other leader before has, I expect you to be more objective with your words," he added.
In response, Whbee said, Erdogan gave him a firm handshake and said, "I was describing an existing situation, Goldstone said the same things as well."
Whbee said he told the prime minister that "anyone that wishes to remain an objective body must remain balanced. You know what this report is and what value it has; if you look forward to a bright future between us you must be more objective."
According to the MK, Erdogan responded saying, "Let's hope so."
Whbee said they were surrounded by dozens of television cameras and reported during their encounter, and that Turkish parliament members praised him for his words.
The MK added that he plans to continue to defend Israel's stance during the conference to take place at the Conrad Hotel in Istanbul, in which many Arab countries will participate.
