DES MOINES, Iowa — Amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, an Israeli diplomat spoke in Des Moines tonight.
Yinam Cohen is the Consul General of Israel to the Midwest. He had already planned on coming to Des Moines for the World Food Prize, but found it important to speak with the Jewish Community.
In his remarks, he spoke on the current state of the situation in Israel, and affirmed the country's right to defend itself.
"We will not accept this suggestion; there is no ceasefire. We will do every effort to support, you know, the humanitarian needs of the population. But there is no ceasefire until we really do whatever we need to protect our civilians. This is our moral obligation," Cohen said.
Cohen also commended Governor Kim Reynolds and the state of Iowa for their support in the last month. He specifically noted the rededication of the Holocaust Memorial and lighting up the State Capitol and Women of Achievement Bridge blue and white.