Former prime minister Ehud Barak has responded to the ceremony for the transfer of the United States embassy to Jerusalem and the riots in Gaza by saying, "Our heart is in Jerusalem at the opening ceremonies of the embassy. Our head is in Gaza.
He explained, "There ceremonies and speeches will not be enough. There security determination is needed, alongside thinking outside the box and long-term vision that will preserve Israel as a Jewish and democratic state so that future generations will also be able to celebrate safely in Jerusalem."