"We are firmly against any terrorist force that attacks Israel's freedom, existence and independence. Israel must be protected in its rights. As President of the Senate I must say that Italy in all its governments has always defended the existence of Israel, has always wanted Israel to exist and manifest its freedom and independence". This was stated by the President of the Senate Ignazio La Russa, after the meeting with the speaker of the Israeli parliament Amir Ohana at the Knesset where he will also see Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu.
In turn, Netanyahu will fly to Rome on March 9 for the state trip and the meeting with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
The next stop on the Senate President's visit to Israel, on his first foreign mission, will be Yad Vashem, the Shoah Memorial in Jerusalem, where he will visit the Museum.
In the early afternoon, the President of the Senate will go to the Italian Synagogue of Rehov Hillel, also in Jerusalem, to meet the Jewish community of Italian origin. Then, visit the Old Town with a stop at the Western Wall.
La Russa was already in Israel as defense minister in November 2009.