Chief NATO's clear Israeli message: Responsibilities

Secretary - General NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, said Israel's response should be proportional after Hamas' operation. Stoltenberg held a press conference at the end of the first day sessions of the NATO Defence Ministers' Meeting.

Asked whether he is concerned about the spread of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the region, Stoltenberg said Israel faced terrorist attacks over the weekend, innocent people lost their lives and that Israel has the right to be protected from such terrorist attacks.

I expect Israel's response to be proportional. As this conflict continues, it is important that Israel do its best to prevent the deaths of innocent civilians”, Stoltenberg said.

Stressing that hostile countries against Israel should not use the current conflict situation, Stoltenberg recalled that the US has increased its military presence in the region.

“This is an important prevention message to prevent the escalation of conflict”, the NATO chief said. /Abc news