Dagan Seeks Czech Allies Against Sanctions on Judea and Samaria

Shomron Regional Council head Yossi Dagan has held a series of meetings in Prague to seek Czech support against European sanctions targeting communities in Judea and Samaria. The diplomatic effort, disclosed on Sunday, included meetings with Czech minister Boris Šťastný and European Parliament member Ondřej Knotek. Dagan and Knotek appeared in a joint video in which the Czech politician backed Israeli sovereignty in the region. “Sovereignty in your region is extremely important,” Knotek said. He also praised the communities' contribution to Israeli and European security. Dagan thanked him for his support and described Israel's security interests as connected to those of Europe. During the meetings, Dagan presented maps and set out his argument that Judea and Samaria are strategically important to Israel's security. His meeting with Šťastný lasted longer than planned, and the two were photographed beside Czech flags. The meetings were part of Dagan's effort to build political support in Europe against sanctions and boycotts directed at the communities. The Czech contacts followed Dagan's earlier outreach to political leaders in Slovenia, where he also sought support for the communities. Dagan praised Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Foreign Ministry staff and Israel's ambassador to Czechia for their work against boycotts.