FM Sa'ar meets with Estonian PM Kristen Michal and FM Margus Tsahkna
Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs
FM Sa'ar: "We are serious in our will to reach a hostage deal and a ceasefire. We said Yes to Special Envoy Witkoff's proposals. There are some positive signs. I don't want to say more than that right now. But our goal is to begin proximity talks as soon as possible."
Press Releases
Foreign Policy
02.07.2025
Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar met today (Wednesday, 2 July 2025) in Tallinn, Estonia, with Prime Minister Kristen Michal and Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna. Minister Sa'ar announced his decision to open an israeli embassy in Estonia.
Following their meeting, the Foreign Ministers delivered statements to the press.
On Iran: "I spoke today with my friend, the German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, and told him that it's time for the E3 countries - Germany, France and the UK - to activate the SnapBack against Iran."
On Gaza: "We are serious in our will to reach a hostage deal and a ceasefire. We said Yes to Special Envoy Witkoff's proposals. There are some positive signs. I don't want to say more than that right now. But our goal is to begin proximity talks as soon as possible."
Full Remarks
"Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna,
It's an honor to be in Estonia today.
The friendship between our countries is rooted in shared values and challenges.
We are both nations of democracy and innovation.
Israel is the 'Start-Up Nation'.
And Estonia is the world leader in 'E-Governance'.
We appreciate and admire your country's achievements in the digital field - especially in the public sector.
Estonia's approach is modern and efficient. It gets rid of bureaucracy and it is friendly to its citizens.
I was here in 2017 and I saw it with my own eyes.
Minister,
We look forward to strengthening relations with Estonia.
That is why I told you about my decision, which I will announce now - to open an Israeli embassy in Tallinn, in Estonia, very soon.
This reflects our ongoing will to strengthen our relations.
This important move will contribute to our economic and defense partnership. It will help us deal with shared challenges.
And it will take our relationship to new heights.
****
Israel's operation against the Iranian regime - and other actions we took in this war - contribute directly and significantly also to European security.
Our operation was a huge success.
Iran's nuclear program was a huge threat to the international community. Along with the U.S., we sent it many years back.
Iran's ballistic missiles program threatened Europe too. We severely damaged it.
And we harmed the Iranian drone supply. The very same technology used by Russia against Ukraine.
Iran announced today that it is suspending cooperation with the IAEA.
The international community must act now against Iran's nuclear threat.
I spoke today with my friend, the German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, and told him that it's time for the E3 countries - Germany, France and the UK - to activate the SnapBack against Iran.
***
This war is not only Israel's war. It's a global war between the free world and Iran's axis of terror.
Iran's Islamist axis includes Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, the Shi'a Militias in Iraq and the Palestinian terrorists.
It is backed by the authoritarian axis: China, Russia, North Korea.
Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East.
It is Europe's strategic partner in the region - the only ally which shares the same values and challenges.
Israel supports Ukraine. We supported and we support the people of Ukraine that are under attack.
****
Hamas still holds 50 of our hostages in cruel captivity.
The war can end tomorrow if it releases them and lays down its arms.
We are serious in our will to reach a hostage deal and a ceasefire.
We said Yes to Special Envoy Witkoff's proposals.
There are some positive signs. I don't want to say more than that right now.
But our goal is to begin proximity talks as soon as possible.
But it must be clear:
Hamas is not only responsible for initiating this war on October 7th. It's responsible also for its continuation.
Pressure must be applied on Hamas.
The international community must now back the American initiative.
It must shatter any illusions that Hamas may have.
****
Dear Minister,
I appreciate your warm hospitality today.
Your visit to Israel was postponed due to the operation we launched. But I hope to soon see you and welcome you to Jerusalem.
I believe that we are taking our relations today to the next level. I look forward to doing so with you.
Thank you!"
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