Saar held a phone call with his New Zealand counterpart Peters
Jerusalem, June 22 (Hibya) - Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said he spoke with New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters and stated that Israel would continue to respect the ceasefire in Lebanon as long as Hezbollah does not violate it.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar commented on bilateral relations and the situation in Lebanon following his conversation with New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters.
Saar said it was good to speak again with the New Zealand foreign minister, adding: "I told him that Israel will respect the ceasefire in Lebanon as long as it is not violated by Hezbollah."
Addressing the security situation along the Lebanese border, Saar stated: "We have no territorial claims in Lebanon, but we will not withdraw from the security zone and expose our citizens to Hezbollah attacks or the possibility of infiltration."
Commenting on Hezbollah's presence in the region, Saar said: "Lebanon's sovereignty has been violated for decades due to Iran's indirect occupation through Hezbollah. The dismantling of Hezbollah's terrorist state is in the interest of both Lebanon and Israel."
Saar concluded his remarks by saying: "I invited the foreign minister to visit Israel."
Usa News Agency