Israeli Ambassador to Netherlands Denounces Ben-Gvir, Smotrich Statements
Translated & summarized from Kan News by baba
Israel's Ambassador to the Netherlands, Tzvi Aviner Vapni, called statements by Ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich "shocking and unacceptable" and refused to defend them. Vapni also condemned Jewish rioters in the West Bank as "thugs and terrorists." His remarks follow the Netherlands' decision to withdraw from the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest in protest of Israel's participation.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israeli Ambassador Tzvi Aviner Vapni called statements by Ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich "shocking and unacceptable."
- Ambassador Vapni refused to defend remarks attributed to Ben-Gvir and Smotrich regarding Gaza.
- Vapni described Jewish rioters in the West Bank as "thugs and terrorists" whose place is in jail.
- He believes 80% of Israelis would agree that violence against Palestinians must stop.
- The Netherlands will not participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest in protest of Israel's involvement.
Israel's Ambassador to the Netherlands, Tzvi Aviner Vapni, has publicly distanced himself from statements made by Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, describing their remarks as "shocking and unacceptable." In an interview with the Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad, Vapni stated, "I have no desire to defend them." The interview, which covered 17 questions regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, saw Vapni address remarks attributed to Ben-Gvir about starving Gaza residents and Smotrich about nightly killings in Gaza. Vapni refused to represent their positions, emphasizing his disagreement.
Vapni also spoke about Jewish rioters in the West Bank, calling them "Jewish thugs and terrorists" whose place is in jail. He estimated that "eighty percent of Israelis would agree" that this violence against Palestinians must stop and that their actions are "worthy of all condemnation." He noted that among the 700,000 Israelis living in settlements, there are "a few thousand extremists."
The ambassador's comments come after the Netherlands officially announced its withdrawal from the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, protesting Israel's participation. Both Dutch broadcasters, AVROTROS and NPO, declined to represent the Netherlands in the competition.
Mentioned
