Prague Castle flies Israeli flag in show of solidarity during current conflict

Prague Castle, the seat of the Czech President, flew an Israeli flag yesterday at President Miloš Zeman's direction, spokesperson Jiří Ovčáček said.

Castle guards replaced an EU flag that flies next to the Czech one in the Castle's first courtyard in support of Israel. The Presidential Office broadcast the flag swap live on its Facebook page.

Zeman had already expressed support for Israel in a letter earlier in the week.

Clashes between Palestine and Israeli have been reignited in recent days, claiming dozens of lives. Tensions are at their highest since 2014.

"On the basis of a decision by the President of the Czech Republic, Miloš Zeman, the flag of the State of Israel was hoisted today at the first courtyard of Prague Castle, the court of honor, as the expression of clear support and solidarity," Ovcacek tweeted on Friday.

The Israeli flag replaced an EU flag on one of the two flag poles at the Castle's first courtyard. Zeman originally hung the EU flag after being elected president.

While Zeman clearly sides with Israel in the current conflict, EU representatives have expressed concerns about recent developments in the Middle East, and condemned military action by both sides.

On Wednesday, Zeman sent a telegram to his Israeli counterpart Reuven Rivlin.

"I am expressing my full support for and solidarity with the State of Israel. We are with you!" Zeman wrote.

Foreign Minister Jakub Kulhanek also sided with Israel. He tweeted in English, saying that Czechoslovakia supported Israel when it declared independence in 1948 and that the Czech Republic stands by it now as well.

"We were honored to stand by Israel when it proclaimed its independence in 1948, and we stand with it firmly today, as it confronts deplorable militant attacks. Israel has every right to defend its citizens," Kulhanek tweeted.

During a press conference at the Foreign Ministry's seat in Černín Palace, Kulhanek said Israel was facing a barbarian and blatant attack. It has every right to defend itself and protect its citizens, he added.

Kulhanek also decided to fly the Israeli flag at the Foreign Ministry's seat.

Violence in the Middle East erupted after several days of clashes between Israeli police and Palestinians in Jerusalem.

Now, Israel faces missiles launched from the Gaza Strip, to which the Israeli military has responded with air attacks. Additionally, intense skirmishes between Jews and Arabs have occured in Israeli towns, which Rivlin has called a civil war.