PM Netanyahu's Remarks at the Official Welcoming Ceremony for French
President Francois Hollande
(Communicated by the Prime Minister Media Adviser)

Following is an excerpt from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's remarks at
the official welcoming ceremony for French President Francois Hollande this
afternoon (Sunday, 17 November 2013), at Ben-Gurion International Airport:

"Israel views France as a true friend. France, like Israel, aspires to a
stable, moderate Middle East in which the peoples live in peace with each
other, in security and mutual respect. You, Mr. President, have taken a
resolute stance regarding Syria, and in the face of Iran's relentless
attempts to arm itself with nuclear weapons, which would endanger not just
Israel, but regimes and countries throughout the Middle East; it would also
endanger France, Europe and the entire world. Mr. President, you are a most
welcome and esteemed guest in our country. All Israelis extend their hand to
you in brave friendship and with the blessings of peace. Vive la France,
vive l'Israel, vive l'amitie entre la France et l'Israel."