'We'll help India where needed' – Livni
Foreign minister addresses developing situation in Mumbai, does not rule out Israeli action in India. 'Our defense officials are in constant contact with their counterparts there,' she says
Israel may aid the efforts in Mumbai. Speaking at the situation assessment held on Thursday in light of the developing crisis in Mumbai, Foreign Affairs Minister Tzipi Livni did not negate the possibility Jerusalem would dispatch aid to the region. "If they need us we will help where needed," said Livni.
"We're in constant contact with the area. The Foreign Ministry is monitoring the situation closely. Today I spoke with the various defense officials in Israel who are in constant contact with their counterpart officials over there," she said.
The foreign minister made clear that Israeli officials would remain abreast of the latest developments in India. "Right now my goal is to get the updates and see how we and other bodies in Israel are preparing, and then move forward accordingly. We have people there as well and they're also in touch, not only on the diplomatic level."
Livni's statements came shortly after confirmation by senior officials that there is serious concern for the lives of several of the Israelis being held hostage in the Mumbai Chabad center.
From the information compiled thus far by the Foreign Ministry it appears as though 10-15 Israelis are still being held hostage. Ministry officials confirmed to Ynet that at least six Israelis are being held in the Chabad center, and others in the Oberoi Hotel. An additional 20-25 Israelis currently known to be in Mumbai have yet to contact their families in Israel.
