Iran rejects Netanyahu's offer to help quake victims: Israeli media

JERUSALEM – Reuters / Anadolu Agency

Iran has turned down an Israeli offer to help the victims of a 7.3-magnitude earthquake that jolted the Islamic Republic earlier this week, according to Israeli media on Nov. 15.

Hundreds were killed when the tremor struck the border area between Iran and Iraq, killing hundreds in the Shia country and several people in Iraq.

“Israel has offered humanitarian assistance to the victims of the earthquake in Iran and Iraq,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the annual General Assembly of the Jewish Federation of North America late on Nov. 14.

Speaking in a video conference with the Jewish Federations of North America, Netanyahu said enmity between the two governments does not prevent humanitarian sympathy.

Iran has yet to officially comment on the issue.

In 2003, Tehran rejected an Israeli offer of assistance for victims of a deadly earthquake that killed thousands in the southeastern Iranian city of Bam.

Iran does not recognise the Jewish state and Israeli media reported that the offer was swiftly turned down through the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Israel regards Iran and its close ally Lebanese Shiite militant group Hezbollah as its most dangerous foes.

Iran has been a staunch supporter of Palestinian militant groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad.

Tens of thousands of Jews of Iranian ancestry have played a prominent role in the state of Israel, counting among their number a former president, a former army chief and several former government ministers.