Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Photo: GPO
PM gearing to 'fight delegitimization'
Jerusalem vexed over UN Human Rights Council's decision to turn Goldstone Report over to Security Council. Netanyahu convenes special meeting, says Israel will take necessary steps to confute those trying to undermine its actions
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a special ministerial forum Friday night following the UN Human Rights Council's decision to turn the Goldstone Report probing Operation Cast Lead in Gaza Strip over to the Security Council.
"We will delegitimize the delegitimization," he said. Jerusalem is reportedly gearing to propel its vexation over the decision into diplomatic action, mainly on the allied US, UK and French fronts.
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British Premier Gordon Brown and French President Nicolas Sarkozy sent a letter to Netanyahu,
expressing their support of Israel's right to defend itself against terror, and urging him to order an "independent, transparent investigation of Gaza events."
The prime minister instructed the forum to prepare for a "lengthy fight"; one that would include an extensive campaign explaining Israel's right to defend itself against terror, as well as taking diplomatic, legal and other steps in order to undermine those who wish to delegitimize Israel's actions.
"We are now setting out to delegitimize those who try to delegitimize us. We will not tolerate it and we will respond on a case by case basis," he said.
A source in the Prime Minister's Office described the plan as "a lengthy, uphill battle."
Among the ministers taking part in the meeting were Defense Minister Ehud Barak, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman and his deputy Daniel Ayalon, Justice Minister Yaakov Ne'eman, Social Affairs Minister Isaac Herzog and Minister Benny Begin.
Senior Prime Minister's Office officials Uzi Arad and Ron Dermer and Foreign Ministry Director General Yossi Gal were also called upon, as were several other government officials.
