Israeli Ambassador Reuven Azar, during the NDTV World Summit, affirmed Israel’s right and duty to retaliate against Iran following missile attacks. He discussed Israel’s ongoing peace efforts in the Middle East and emphasized India’s emerging global role, noting its substantial contributions to regional stability and economic growth.
During the NDTV World Summit, Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, asserted that Israel possesses both the right and the duty to retaliate following the Iranian missile strike involving at least 180 missiles on October 1. He emphasized Israel’s pursuit of peace and stability while clarifying that it cannot tolerate an environment where Iran feels free to launch attacks without repercussions. Ambassador Azar commented that Israel’s actions are not influenced by the upcoming U.S. elections, which are set for November 5, but rather by the necessity to respond to Iranian threats. He remarked, “Imagine a situation in which a country like Iran is capable of threatening any country in the region without any repercussions… this is completely unacceptable.” Furthermore, Mr. Azar discussed Israel’s historical and ongoing peace agreements with regional allies such as Jordan and Egypt, along with the Abraham Accords that include the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan, and he noted dialogues with Saudi Arabia. He expressed confidence in Israel’s military capabilities to defend against Iranian threats, stating, “We have proved after the attack by Iran that we are capable of defending the skies of the Middle East from the Iranian threat…” On the situation with Hamas, he reported significant progress in neutralizing the missile threat posed by the organization in the Gaza Strip, asserting the destruction of missile factories and the stringent security measures at the Gaza-Sinai border. Despite acknowledging that not all hostages from the October 7 attack have been recovered, he conveyed that efforts are underway to shift assistance dynamics in Gaza to undermine Hamas’s grip on the population. In the context of India’s growing role in the region, Ambassador Azar declared, “India is a rising power,” emphasizing its potential impact on global stability. He elaborated on the remarkable economic growth anticipated for India while expressing optimism regarding its contributions to the Middle East. He stated that as India’s infrastructure and global connections expand, its influence in West Asia will significantly increase, transcending commercial exchanges into areas such as manufacturing and technology sharing. Overall, Ambassador Azar highlighted the evolving dynamics within the region and illustrated Israel’s commitment to security while acknowledging the indispensable role of India as a burgeoning power within the international landscape.
The statement made by Ambassador Reuven Azar comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, particularly after Iran’s missile strike on Israel. The backdrop of this conflict involves long-standing geopolitical issues in the Middle East, where Israel seeks to secure its borders and maintain stability against threats from various militant groups, including Hamas and Hezbollah. The interview emphasizes Israel’s military preparedness and its diplomatic engagements with several nations to promote peaceful relations and regional security, particularly highlighting India’s rising influence as a significant player in the global economy.
In conclusion, the remarks made by Ambassador Reuven Azar during the NDTV World Summit underscore Israel’s commitment to retaliate against Iranian aggression while advocating for regional peace and stability. The ambassador’s insights into the evolving geopolitical landscape illustrate both the challenges posed by hostile neighbors and the potential for collaborative efforts with nations like India as integral stakeholders in Middle Eastern dynamics. The interplay of military strength and strategic alliances remains crucial as Israel navigates the complex security environment.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com