 In recent days, Harper and his former Foreign Affairs Minister, Peter MacKay (now Minister of Defence), have reiterated their support for Israel's position, while urging restraint and calling for a ceasefire.Speaking of the situation in both Lebanon and Gaza on 18 July, Harper told reporters, "We all want to encourage not just a ceasefire, but a resolution.And a resolution will only be achieved when everyone gets to the table and everyone admits that recognition of each other," Mr. Harper said, referring to the refusal of Hezbollah and Hamas to recognize Israel's right to exist.