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Israeli PM recognises Kiwi efforts during WWI

Author
Michael Sergel,
Publish Date
Wed, 1 Nov 2017, 9:23AM
Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu. Photo/Getty
Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu. Photo/Getty

Israeli PM recognises Kiwi efforts during WWI

Author
Michael Sergel,
Publish Date
Wed, 1 Nov 2017, 9:23AM

It was an act of courage that changed the course of history.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has paid tribute to New Zealand soldiers on the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Beersheba.

Our men captured the heavily fortified hill of Tel el Saba to clear the way for the Australian light horse charge on Beersheba.

Netanyahu said that together the Anzacs drove out the Ottoman forces to liberate what is now modern day Israel.

"The indomitable spirit the soldiers of New Zealand here, the Australian light horse right there, changed history. Pivotally, the hinge of fate moved at that point."

He said that the people of Israel will never forget the sacrifice.

"We have peace, prosperity and security, but it was made possible because of those heroes. We always remember that."

Netanyahu's comments make a restoration of diplomatic relations nearly a year after a UN security council vote caused tensions between Israel and New Zealand.

Last December, New Zealand voted in favour of a resolution condemning Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory.

It led to the New Zealand ambassador to Israel being banned from the country.

The ceremony is being attended by Governor General Dame Patsy Reddy and a 30-strong contingent from the Defence Force.

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