Benjamin Netanyahu Condemns Khashoggi's Murder But Backs Stability In Saudi Arabia

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, vember 2 condemned killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, in his first comments on affair, but stressed need for stability in Saudi Arabia.

"What happened in Istanbul consulate was horrendous and it should be duly dealt with," Netanyahu told reporters during a visit to Bulgaria.

"Yet same time I say it, it is very important for stability of world, for region and for world, that Saudi Arabia remains stable.

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"I think that a way must be found to achieve both goals." Khashoggi, a critic of Saudi regime, was murdered inside kingdom's consulate in Istanbul last month, and Turkish officials are still searching for his remains.

After at first denying murder, Saudi officials eventually mitted he h been killed in consulate, blaming a "rogue operation" and arresting 18 people. Riyh's international standing has been damd by affair and Turkish authorities have me it clear y will keep investigating matter.

Israel and Saudi Arabia do t have diplomatic relations, but both nations have strong links with United States and all three countries share a common enemy in Iran.

" larger problem is Iran and we have to make sure that Iran does t continue malign activities that it has been doing over last few weeks in Europe," said Netanyahu.

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Referring to what he said were two Iran-backed terrorist plots that Israel h helped foil in Europe, he ded: "Blocking Iran is uttermost on our nda for security, t merely for Israel but I believe for Europe and world as well."

Israel considers Iran to be main threat to its safety and has backed United States in its withdrawal from 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran. Netanyahu also called on or countries to support US sanctions against Tehran. New US sanctions go into effect on Monday, vember 5.

He said sanctions so far h forced a marked decrease in amounts Iran h devoted to "aggressive and terrorist" activities. Netanyahu was in Bulgarian city of Varna to meet sourn Balkans leers at a regional summit.