Gideon Sa’ar, Israel’s foreign minister, spoke with his Canadian counterpart, Melanie Joly, on Wednesday, when he stressed that the Palestinian Authority must stop paying stipends to terrorists and cease its incitement against Israel.
“I spoke with @melaniejoly, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, and briefed her on the framework for the release of the hostages. We discussed regional issues and I emphasized that the Palestinian Authority must stop its ‘pay for slay’ policy, incitement against Israel and its legal warfare campaign against us,” Sa’ar tweeted.
On Sept. 10, Joly announced that Canada was canceling some 30 existing permits for arms shipments to Israel, including a deal with the Canadian division of a U.S. defense contractor.
Although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the issue of a U.K. freeze on arms exports to Israel in a call with British Prime Minister Keir Stamer on Tuesday, it was not clear if Sa’ar addressed the same matter with Joly.
Sa’ar also met on Wednesday with Janine Hennis-Plasschaert, the U.N. secretary-general’s special representative to Lebanon, to talk about that ceasefire agreement.
“I emphasized that Israel is committed to implementing the ceasefire agreement, but will not compromise on its security. There is an opportunity for Lebanon to break free from the Iranian occupation and build a better future,” Sa’ar tweeted.
On Thursday, he is slated to conduct an official visit to Hungary.
“I will work to strengthen and deepen the bond between the two countries,” he said according to a statement sent out by the ministry.
During the visit, Sa’ar will meet with Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok at the Presidential Palace in Budapest and with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs Péter Szijjártó.
Sa’ar and Szijjártó will hold a joint press conference. The meetings will focus on recent developments in the Middle East and advancing bilateral relations between the countries.
“Hungary is a true friend of Israel, and it has demonstrated this during the difficult times of war. During my visit to Budapest, I will work to strengthen and deepen the bond between the countries, as well as to engage in joint discussions to enhance coordination on various policy issues on the agenda,” Sa’ar said.
He also intends to visit the Jewish community in Budapest and meet with its representatives.