Herzog hosts Liberian president

BY HARRY SIMONS

President Isaac Herzog hosted an official welcoming ceremony for the President of Liberia, George Weah, who was visiting Israel.

The President and First Lady Michal received the delegation headed by Weah and his wife, Clar, and senior officials from Liberia.

Herzog told Weah: “The potential of the relationship between Israel and Liberia is enormous. Your visit is a token of friendship and this great potential.”

Herzog spoke about Weah’s successful internationall football career in France, Italy and England scoring over 200 goals for club and country.

“We cannot detach from your, or your son’s, illustrious career in sport, there is much excitement and interest in your visit and experience,” he said. “We mix love of the Bible, Israel, Liberia and sport.”

Herzog noted the importance for Liberia to have a permanent embassy in Israel. He observed, “There are so many issues we can work on together, there is a need to advance cooperation in agriculture as soon as possible, and we spoke about other fields of interest including health, defense and foreign affairs. There are many issues that can be upgraded dramatically.”

Weah responded: “We are very excited to be here in Israel. I always promised you that I would come. We are working together as friends.” He added, “Our delegation of ministers understand that we have made a promise to our people. We want to work with Israel.”

Herzog and Weah held discussions on efforts to bring Liberian students to study advanced agriculture in Israel.

Herzog stressed the importance of Israel’s Observer Status at the African Union.

Weah visited Jerusalem and commented on news of his son’s signing for Italian giants Juventus.

“I put my note in the Western Wall, that Timothy will be the greatest player in the Italian League,” he said.

Weah wished the Israeli U-21 national team best wishes for their semi-final clash with Georgia.

Netanyahu, in related news, spoke at a state memorial ceremony for the fallen of Operation Protective Edge in 2021 on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem.

He said: “The military rounds in recent years teach that in a fight against those who seek our lives, there can be neither respite nor weakness. We are determined to respond to every attempt to harm us, just as we did two years ago and in Operation Shield and Arrow last month.

“Since Operation Protective Edge, we have grown immeasurably stronger, in building up our power in operational responses to those who try to challenge us. Israel relies, first and foremost, on itself, regarding its security.”

Mentioning the ongoing threat of Iran and terrorist attacks of proxies on Israel’s borders, Netanyahu added: “We are varying our capabilities against those who try to threaten us with destruction. On one front or several our response will be wide-ranging, determined and powerful.”

“Provisions for gardens, pedestrian paths and cycling lanes are included,” the municipal committee said.

“This is an important plan that serves as a landmark for the city, which besides its symbolic importance, is expected to be a focal point for extensive public, economic and diplomatic activities,” commented architect Dan Keenan, Jerusalem District Planning Committee. “It will provide hundreds of new job opportunities in the city, relying on the excellent service of the light rail.”

Plans submitted by the U.S. Embassy and Israel Land Authority include a 10-story office building.

The compound will have a main entrance for vehicles and pedestrians, consular and service entrance. Each entrance will have a designated structure for inspection and security.

The compound will be enclosed with a high stone wall for security. The committee made changes to blueprints to minimise tree removal and reduce the height of the building facing the street.