(Communicated by the Deputy Foreign Minister's Bureau)
In preparation for the discussion of the Goldstone report tomorrow (November 4) at the United Nations, Deputy Foreign Minister today held a briefing, along with Foreign Ministry Director General Yossi Gal and Deputy Legal Adviser Daniel Taub, for the diplomatic corps in Israel.
Deputy Foreign Minister Ayalon called on the ambassadors to vote against the Goldstone report at the United Nations General Assembly, saying that "the report harms not only Israel but every democratic, peace-seeking state that is fighting terrorism." He added, "Israel will not stand by while the Palestinians manipulate and use the international institutions as an arena to attack and harm Israel. It is absurd that while the Palestinians are asking for gestures from Israel, they are acting against Israel in every possible framework. This has to stop."