Israel's diplomatic weapon in Gaza fighting
Across the world, Israel's ambassadors waged their own war to preserve the country's reputation as Islamic Jihad rocket fire pounded their families, friends and neighbours back home
Within 24 hours of the targeted killing of Islamic Jihad military commander Baha Abu al-Ata in Gaza, Foreign Ministry staffers at home and abroad went to work on an emergency footing to present israel's response to the ensuing escalation in the Gaza Strip.
Israeli representatives all around the world were told to appeal to their respective local governments and leading figures in order to garner public support for Israel and its right to defend its citizens, along with condemnation of any retaliation from the Gaza terror groups.
Foreign Minister Israel Katz instructed diplomats to emphasize the strength and resilience of Israel's southern residents who took the brunt of the attacks.
Israel's UN evoy Danny Danon went to the Security Council, demanding that it condemn the rocket fire from Gaza.
"Nine million citizens are facing unceasing terror from a terrorist organization," he said.
"We expect clear condemnation of the instigators, not a message calling for both sides to act with restraint," Danon added.
"It's time for the international community to understand that its silence is a prize for terror."
There were more than a few international messages of support for Israel, in no small part thanks to the ceaseless campaign by Israeli diplomats.
Many Jewish organizations around the world also expressed support for Israel while condemning the rocket fire from Gaza.
U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman criticized the rocket fire on Israel, saying the Jewish state had a right to self-defense.
"Palestinian Islamic Jihad, an Islamist terrorist org backed by Iran, is again attacking Israel with 100’s of missiles aimed at civilians. We stand with our friend & ally Israel at this critical moment & support Israel’s right to defend itself & bring an end to these barbaric attacks,” tweeted Friedman.
Palestinian Islamic Jihad, an Islamist terrorist org backed by Iran, is again attacking Israel with 100’s of missiles aimed at civilians. We stand w our friend & ally Israel at this critical moment & support Israel’s right to defend itself & bring an end to these barbaric attacks
— David M. Friedman (@USAmbIsrael) 12 בנובמבר 2019
Avi Berkowitz, Trump's incoming peace envoy to the Middle East said: "We fully support our partner & ally Israel in their fight against terrorism and the terrorist group, Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
The Administration strongly condemns the barrage of rockets on Israeli civilians and continues to monitor the situation. It’s clear that the main obstacles holding Gazans back are Hamas and the Islamic Jihad who put violence ahead of bettering the lives of the people of Gaza.”
The Administration strongly condemns the barrage of rockets on Israeli civilians and continues to monitor the situation. It's clear that the main obstacles holding Gazans back are Hamas and PIJ who put violence ahead of bettering the lives of the people of Gaza.
— Avi Berkowitz (@aviberkow45) 12 בנובמבר 2019
Britain also condemned the rocket fire and urged the parties involved to work with the UN and Egypt to end the fighting.
"We are deeply concerned by the escalation of hostilities in Gaza. The UK condemns the firing of rockets at civilian populations," the Foreign Office said in a statement.
"Any attacks targeted against civilians are unlawful and unjustifiable. We call on all sides to rapidly de-escalate the situation, and support the UN and Egyptian efforts to achieve that objective."
Germany's Ambassador to Israel Susanne Wasum-Rainer also condemned the rocket fire.
"The German government expresses deep concern over the situation in southern Israel and Gaza," the ambassador said in a tweet in Hebrew.
"After the operation against a leader of Islamic Jihad, more than 150 rockets were fired from Gaza at Israeli cities. We strongly condemn the rocket fire. There is no justification for violence against innocents," she said.
Swedish Ambassador to Israel Magnus Hellgren, expressed deep concern over the escalation, writing on Twitter on Tuesday: "Extremely concerned about evolving security situation, including multiple rockets launched this morning. Indiscriminate rocket attacks are unacceptable and must be condemned. Need to protect all civilians."
Extremely concerned about evolving security situation, including multiple rockets launched this morning. Indiscriminate rocket attacks are unacceptable and must be condemned. Need to protect all civilians. @SwedeninIL
— Magnus Hellgren (@hellgren_magnus) 12 בנובמבר 2019
In line with instructions given by the IDF Home Front Command against large public gatherings, the Polish embassy on Tuesday canceled a Tel Aviv reception to celebrate the country's Independence Day.
The French embassy said in response to the attacks: "We condemn the rocket fire from Gaza this morning and call for all sides to de-escalate the situation," the embassy said Wednesday.
