During the NDTV World Summit, Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, stated that Israel has a responsibility to retaliate against Iran following missile attacks. He affirmed Israel’s commitment to regional stability and highlighted India’s growing importance in West Asia, anticipating significant contributions to future collaboration and economic strength. Azar also emphasized Israel’s efforts to mitigate threats from Hamas and defend its borders.
During the recent NDTV World Summit in New Delhi, the Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, asserted that Israel possesses both the right and the duty to retaliate following Iran’s missile strike, which involved at least 180 missiles on October 1. Ambassador Azar emphasized Israel’s commitment to peace and stability in the region but firmly stated that it is intolerable for Iran to possess the liberty to launch attacks without facing consequences. In response to inquiries regarding potential Israeli military actions in light of the upcoming US elections, Ambassador Azar maintained that the United States’ electoral timeline would not influence Israel’s decisions. Instead, he underscored that the existence of credible threats from Iran necessitates a robust response to prevent any nation from feeling emboldened to threaten others in the region without accountability. Ambassador Azar highlighted Israel’s ambitious efforts to foster stability through various diplomatic agreements, including the peace treaties with Jordan and Egypt and the Abraham Accords with countries such as the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan, as well as ongoing dialogues with Saudi Arabia. He affirmed Israel’s capability to defend itself against Iranian threats, noting, “We cannot be in a situation in which the Iranians feel free to attack us at any point.” On the topic of Hamas, the ambassador conveyed that Israel has significantly diminished the threat posed by the organization, stating that it has successfully disrupted Hamas’s military capabilities, including the destruction of missile manufacturing facilities. However, he acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly regarding the hostages from the October 7 attack and the need to impede Hamas’s governance over Gaza. Furthermore, Ambassador Azar lauded India’s rising influence, dubbing it a “rising power” vital to promoting stability in West Asia. He emphasized the impressive economic growth India is projected to experience and its consequential importance in global manufacturing and connectivity. The ambassador expressed optimism concerning India’s escalating ties with the UAE, predicting rewarding collaboration across various sectors in the future.
The statement made by Ambassador Reuven Azar at the NDTV World Summit stems from ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran, particularly following recent missile attacks claimed to have been executed by Iran against Israel. This geopolitical context highlights Israel’s serious concerns regarding Iranian aggression and its implications for regional security. Further, the ambassador’s comments reflect Israel’s strategic outlook on reinforcing stability through established diplomatic agreements and assertive defense strategies. Additionally, he articulated India’s potential role as a significant player in West Asia, recognizing its economic ascendancy and growing international presence.
In summary, the Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, advocates for Israel’s right to retaliate against Iranian aggression while emphasizing the necessity for stability in the Middle East. He highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance diplomatic relations and military preparedness in the face of threats from terrorist organizations like Hamas. Furthermore, he positions India as a burgeoning power with substantial contributions to regional and global dynamics, reinforcing the perspective that collaborative efforts between Israel and India will be crucial moving forward.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com