Netanyahu warmly welcomes Philippines’ Duterte to Israel

Israeli Prime Minister says friendship between the countries has ‘blossomed’ and makes special mention of Filipino carers amid criticism over embracing controversial leader

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President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during their meeting in Jerusalem on September 3, 2018. Photo: AFP

Published: 9:33pm, 3 Sep 2018Updated: 11:31pm, 3 Sep 2018

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extended a warm welcome to Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday at the start of an official visit, despite being criticised for embracing a leader accused of human rights abuses in his deadly drug crackdown.

The two leaders oversaw the signing of three agreements in trade, science and caregiving. Netanyahu highlighted the countries’ long friendship, how the Philippines took in Jewish refugees after the second world war and was the only Asian nation to vote for Israel’s establishment.

He noted how in recent years Filipino health aides have assisted the elderly in Israel, including Netanyahu’s own father.

“We remember our friends, and that friendship has blossomed over the years and especially over the last few years,” Netanyahu told Duterte. “There has been a remarkable phenomenon in Israel where thousands and thousands of families have taken heart from the support given by Filipino caretakers for the elderly.”

Duterte thanked Israel for hosting some 28,000 Filipino workers and for assisting his country in its times of need.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with the president of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte, who says Israel can “expect any help that the Philippines can extend to your country”. Photo: AFP