Israel’s ambassador to India Reuven Azar on Wednesday mentioned the continued battle on Israel’s northern entrance, specializing in rising tensions with Hezbollah. Azar outlined Israel’s goals within the ongoing army operations, aimed toward imposing UN Safety Council Decision 1701 and securing a ceasefire.
In an unique interview with India Right this moment TV, Azar burdened that Israel’s major purpose is to cease Hezbollah’s actions, which he mentioned started with an unprovoked assault on October 8, 2023.
“We have now been attempting to attain a ceasefire for the previous 11 months,” Azar mentioned, including that Israel’s army actions targeted on disarming Hezbollah and defending its residents.
“We attacked 1,700 army targets… Hezbollah launched weapons and missiles, violating worldwide regulation,” he mentioned, justifying Israel’s use of pressure.
The ambassador additionally addressed issues concerning the humanitarian impression of the battle, saying that Israel had taken in depth measures to reduce civilian casualties by warning residents to evacuate. “Due to that, the variety of casualties is sort of low in comparison with the variety of targets we have now attacked,” he mentioned.
Requested concerning the broader implications of Hezbollah’s actions and the opportunity of additional escalation, together with a floor invasion, Azar mentioned Israel is ready for all situations.
“We choose to not escalate right into a full-blown battle… but when we have now no different alternative, we may have to take action,” he mentioned, stressing Israel’s readiness and underlining its desire for peace.
Azar additionally touched on regional dynamics, highlighting Iran’s involvement in coaching and supplying weapons to Hezbollah. He warned that Tehran’s actions pose a major risk to stability within the Center East.
“Iran thought it might efficiently strangle the State of Israel… They have been fallacious,” Azar mentioned, criticizing Iran’s technique of utilizing regional teams similar to Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis to destabilize the area.
Responding to questions on hypothesis about potential Iranian retaliation following the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, Azar dominated out the opportunity of a direct confrontation with Iran. He referred to Israel’s potential to thwart earlier Iranian missile strikes and reiterated that Iran could be making a “big mistake” if it determined to have interaction in direct confrontation.
Azar then highlighted the essential function of worldwide cooperation in sustaining regional peace and stability, citing the involvement of america and Arab states.
He additionally highlighted India’s rising affect within the area, significantly in post-conflict reconstruction in West Asia.
“India has an more and more necessary function… essential gamers within the area wish to interact with India in numerous methods,” he mentioned.
Azar mentioned: “As soon as this battle is over, we are able to return to the plans we needed to create a connectivity hall between Asia and Europe. That is on the horizon, it’s achievable and I’m positive that India will likely be an necessary a part of this effort.”
