The visit of Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama to Israel was accompanied by boycotts and protests in the Knesset, where Arab MPs from three political parties decided not to participate in the special session organized in his honor.
According to sources from the Arab parties, their stance was a deliberate political act.
One source said of the Albanian prime minister:
“Let the presence of ‘Otzma Yehudi’ and ‘Religious Zionism’ suffice.”
Meanwhile, during his speech in the Israeli Parliament, Rama expressed that he felt honored and moved by the reception, emphasizing the historical relations between Albania and the Jewish people.
"I stand on a podium where many other guests have stood before me. I must confess that I find it difficult to believe that I deserve such a reception. But I am certain that the Albania that I proudly represent and the people of my nation, like few others who did for the Jewish people, should enjoy respect from the state of Israel," Rama said.
He added that his speech in the Knesset was also a personal test:
“I knew it would be another test of my speaking ability here. I am speaking before one of the five most capable people in the world. My most heartfelt thanks for the words you have expressed towards Albania. My deepest gratitude for welcoming me here today. I could not be more grateful.”
Rama's visit to Israel comes in a sensitive political and diplomatic context, amid international criticism of the war in Gaza and strong divisions within the Israeli political scene itself.
