Babiš to visit Israel, will not be in Prague on November 17

10.11.2026 11:03 HotInfo

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš will visit Israel from November 16 to 18. He will travel to the country with part of the government at the invitation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Due to the foreign trip, he will not take part in the traditional commemorative event on Prague's Národní třída on November 17. seznamzpravy.cz ↗

Bilateral talks between the Czech and Israeli delegations will focus mainly on cooperation in the field of defense. Further details of the visit's program have not yet been released. The trip will take place at a time when Czechia is commemorating the anniversary of the Velvet Revolution and the events of November 17. ct24.ceskatelevize.cz ↗

Babiš said he regrets that, because of the visit to Israel, he will not be able to come to the Velvet Revolution Memorial on Národní třída, where people gather every year on November 17 to light candles. At the same time, the prime minister admitted that his absence could help calm the tense situation. denik.cz ↗

This year, the other members of the government who will be part of the delegation to Israel will also not attend the commemorative event. The prime minister will return to Czechia on November 18, after the visit ends. The main outcome of the talks is expected to be further development of Czech-Israeli cooperation in defense. ekonomickydenik.cz ↗