Israel’s Foreign minister Links Iran Strikes to European Security, Reaffirms Support for Ukraine
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, stated during a visit to Latvia that actions taken against Iran contribute to the security of Europe, citing Iran’s extensive support for Russia in the war in Ukraine. He argued that weakening Iran serves as a deterrent to Russian interests, given their alliance.
Sa’ar highlighted Russia’s diminished influence in the middle East, attributing it to shifts in the Syrian regime. He explained that Israel’s efforts to curtail Hezbollah’s power and limit Iranian involvement in Syria were instrumental in destabilizing the Assad government, which relied heavily on support from both Russia and Iran. Consequently, direct action against Iran, a key ally of Russia, is seen as furthering broader security objectives, including those of European nations.
Regarding the conflict in Ukraine, Sa’ar unequivocally affirmed Israel’s support. He pointed to Israel’s consistent voting record in the United Nations, aligning with European countries in advocating for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. “we have no doubt who the aggressor is,” he stated.
While Israel provides humanitarian aid to Ukraine,including assistance with early warning systems,its policy restricts support to defensive measures. Sa’ar acknowledged a potentially lesser degree of involvement compared to European nations, but emphasized Israel’s solidarity with the Ukrainian people and hinted at a possible future visit to Ukraine.
Turning to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Sa’ar addressed criticism from Western Europe and acknowledged the challenges posed by media coverage focusing on the humanitarian situation. He stressed the importance of understanding the root cause of the conflict, emphasizing the plight of hostages held by Hamas.
He asserted that the war could be resolved swiftly if Hamas released the approximately 50 hostages remaining in Gaza, who are reportedly subjected to torture and used to fund further attacks. sa’ar maintained that no nation would tolerate having a terrorist association as a neighbor.Israel, he explained, prioritizes a diplomatic resolution through ongoing negotiations for hostage release and a ceasefire. However,he underscored that a military solution remains an option if diplomatic efforts fail. He recalled Israel’s complete withdrawal from Gaza in 2005, including the dismantling of settlements and military bases, with the intention of fostering a peaceful future.”Gaza could have become a coastal paradise,” Sa’ar lamented, “but Hamas transformed it into a hub for terrorism.” He emphasized that Israel is fighting for its very existence, and that security concerns sometimes outweigh public relations considerations. He reiterated the necessity of eliminating threats posed by Hamas, referencing the attacks of October 7th.
Sa’ar characterized Hamas and Islamic Jihad as extremist terrorist organizations dedicated to the destruction of Israel and the continued captivity of Israeli civilians. He concluded by stating that Israel’s sole objective in Gaza is to ensure the security of its citizens and eliminate any future threats emanating from the region. “we have no othre goals,” he affirmed.