Posted on 04/19/22
The two leaders spoke in the context of security tensions and discussed the need to calm the situation
Tuesday, 19 April 2022 / 18 Nissan 5782
President Isaac Herzog spoke today with the President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The phone call was held further to the Turkish President's request to speak with President Herzog in the context of the security tensions in recent days. The conversation was conducted in a good and open spirit.
President Erdoğan began the conversation by wishing President Herzog, Israeli citizens, and the whole Jewish People a Happy Passover.
President Isaac Herzog reaffirmed that contrary to false reports, the State of Israel is careful to maintain the status quo and freedom of worship, especially during this period, so that members of all religions - Jews, Muslims, and Christians - may celebrate their holidays safely, as the President also explained in their meeting in Turkey and during his visit to Jordan last month.
President Herzog told President Erdoğan about the intense efforts made by the Israel Police and other security forces, which are facilitating prayers every day on the Temple Mount, despite provocations and incitement on the part of various actors.
President Herzog added that we must not listen to the voices of incitement and mendacious propaganda, and that the public is looking up to the region's leaders and expects us all to act responsibly and work for calm in these holy days for all religions in the region. President Herzog emphasized that we must condemn violence in every form and noted in particular the incident in which Jews were attacked on their way to Passover prayers at the Western Wall.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey expressed his concern and pain regarding the events of recent days. He emphasized that the status quo at the holy sites is very important to the Muslim world and that he was happy to hear the Israeli leadership's firm statements about maintaining it. President Erdoğan added that he is concerned about the events of recent days and harm to innocents, and he requested that in the spirit of President Herzog's important recent visit in Turkey, they may continue working together to maintain peace and calm in the region.
The two presidents agreed to remain in ongoing contact, including in times of disagreement, in order to calm the situation and strengthen relations between Israel and Turkey.
President Isaac Herzog ended the phone call wishing the Turkish President a Ramadan Kareem.