In the wake of the earthquake that struck Italy earlier today (Monday), 
6.4.09, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent a letter to Italian Prime 
Minister Berlusconi, expressed his condolences over the loss of life and 
noted that Israel was ready to render such assistance as may be requested.
Earlier, Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke with French President Nicolas 
Sarkozy, with whom he enjoys a long-standing, abiding friendship. He said 
that the French President is a true friend of Israel, who is ready to assist 
in advancing the peace process by any means that may be requested. 
President Sarkozy invited Prime Minister Netanyahu to visit the Elysee 
Palace in Paris.