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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu broke his silence on the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, saying that while in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul is horrifying, Iran is a larger problem.
"What happened in the Istanbul consulate was very important for the time being, but it was very important for the stability of the world, for the region and for the world, that Saudi Arabia remained stable , "Netanyahu said.
The prime minister was speaking with the leaders of Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia and Greece for the Craiova Forum in the Bulgarian city of Varna.
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"I think it's a fact that it's a fact that it's more likely that it's going to happen in Europe," Netanyahu continued. .
"We have helped uncover two terrorist attacks – one in Paris, and the other one in Copenhagen, organized by the Iranian secret service," Netanyahu said. Iran allegedly planned to attack in Denmark, targeting the head of the Iranian branch of an Iranian organization known to the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahvaz.
"Blocking Iran is uttermost on our agenda for security, not only for Israel but I believe for Europe and the world," Netanyahu said.
An Israeli official said that it was supposed to be "despicable" but said that it was co-operating with Riyadh against their common foe Iran was Israel's priority.
Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz's remarks appeared with Israeli government reticence over last month's killing, which has caused global outrage.
The Saudi government initially denied Khashoggi had been killed in an unplanned "rogue operation." Last week, the public prosecutor Saud Al Mojeb said the attack was premeditated.
Asked about Khashoggi on Tel Aviv radio station 102 FM, Steinitz, a member of Netanyahu's security firm, said: "It was a despicable action.It is worthy of all reproach.This was a civilian, a journalist, not a terrorist."
He went on to say, however, that Israel's struggle against Iran was more pressing.
"We have a threat that can become an existing threat – the threat of a nuclear Iran, the threat of terror, the threat of spreading through Syria and Lebanon. of Iran and against the Iranian nuclear threat, "he said.
Iran is trying to nuclear weapons.
The Netanyahu government has reported semi-official Israel-Saudi contacts – never confirmed, and sometimes denied, by Riyadh – since 2014.
'Close neighbors'
The summit in Varna was attended by Serbian President Aleksandar Vuči, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, Romania's Prime Minister Viorica Dancila and Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov.
"This is the first time that a foreign leader is noting that it is a great honor for Israel and Israel," Netanyahu said.
"Each one has told me that they will improve their consideration of Israel in the EU and UN," he said.
"They want to promote the gas pipeline from Leviathan to Europe and the Balkans.They are very interested in Israeli gas, and Israeli technology, and want friendship with Israel.This is a good sign," Netanyahu concluded.
Additionally, Netanyahu told Dancila that Israel is protecting Europe by preventing dozens from attacks on its soil. He then congratulated on Romania's upcoming rotation to hold the position of the presidency of the Council of the European Union, and asked for his help in changing the EU's position on Israel.
"You are close neighbors, but we have another neighborhood," said Netanyahu.
Netanyahu made a surprise visit last week to Oman, whose foreign ministry then told Gulf neighbors that Israel should be accepted in the region. Other Israeli delegates this week visited the United Arab Emirates.
The Trump Administration, which has brought U.S. policy sharply in line with Israel, has also sought closer relations with Saudi Arabia.
U.S. envoys see Riyadh and other Gulf powers as possible partners in a broad peace deal with Israel that would overtake its long-stalled bilateral negotiations with the Palestinians.
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