Israel’s right to retaliate following the Iranian missile attack on October 1st is not just a matter of national defense, but of regional stability, according to Reuven Azar, Israel’s Ambassador to India.
During an interview at the NDTV World Summit, Azar made it clear that Israel cannot allow Iran to act with impunity. His words underscored the delicate balance of peace, diplomacy, and the need for strong security measures in the face of persistent threats from neighboring adversaries.
Azar emphasized Israel’s right and duty to respond to the barrage of missiles launched by Iran. While Israel seeks peace and stability in the Middle East, it cannot tolerate unchecked aggression from Iran, a country that has historically posed a significant threat to the region.
“Imagine a situation where a country like Iran is capable of threatening any nation in the region without facing any repercussions. This is completely unacceptable,” Azar stated, underlining the gravity of the situation.
Israel’s security architecture is built not just on defensive measures but also on proactive steps to ensure that hostile forces do not feel emboldened. Following the Iranian attack, Israel demonstrated its ability to defend its skies from threats, but Azar insisted that defense alone is not enough.
“We have proved that we are capable of defending the skies of the Middle East from the Iranian threat, but we cannot be in a situation where the Iranians feel free to attack us at any point,” he explained. Retaliation, therefore, is not only a right but an integral part of ensuring long-term security in the region.
The ambassador made it clear that Israel’s responses are aimed at promoting regional stability. Israel has long maintained peace agreements with Jordan and Egypt, and through the Abraham Accords, it has strengthened ties with the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan.
Recently, Israel has also engaged in dialogue with Saudi Arabia, a country seen as a key player in the region’s shifting dynamics. However, despite these diplomatic successes, the threat posed by Iran remains ever-present, making a strong security response necessary.
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Azar also addressed the ongoing struggle against militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, focusing on the significant changes in Israel’s strategy, particularly after the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas. The ambassador noted that while not all hostages have been recovered, Israel’s military operations in Gaza have significantly weakened Hamas’s missile capabilities.
“What we have managed to achieve in the Gaza Strip right now is that we have defeated the terrorist army of Hamas in a way that they cannot pose a missile threat to Israel,” he said. Israel has destroyed missile factories and sealed borders to prevent re-arming, making future attacks much more difficult.
The ambassador acknowledged that while Hamas has regrouped in the past, the current situation is vastly different. Israel is not only dismantling Hamas’s military infrastructure but also working to ensure that aid to Gaza’s population is not manipulated by the militant group. This multi-pronged approach aims to gradually reduce Hamas’s grip on power while ensuring that the needs of the Gazan people are met without enriching the organization.
Azar also pointed to the shifting balance in Israel’s favor, particularly in its conflicts with Hezbollah and Hamas. He expressed confidence that Israel is on a stronger footing than in previous years, thanks to improved defense capabilities and more strategic alliances within the region.
In addition to discussing Israel’s security challenges, Azar highlighted India’s emerging influence in the Middle East. As a rising global power, India’s role in the region is growing increasingly important, particularly in the context of economic and strategic partnerships.
According to Azar, India’s rapid economic growth positions it as a crucial player not only in global affairs but also in Middle Eastern geopolitics. He cited data showing India’s projected growth of 7% next year, amounting to a $260 billion increase in economic output.
“Our (Israel’s) economy is $600 billion. So what India has to contribute to the world is huge. It is going to be a powerhouse, a manufacturing hub, and it needs to be connected to the world,” Azar remarked.
The ambassador noted that India’s influence is already being felt through its deepening ties with the UAE, and this is just the beginning. As infrastructure and connectivity between India and West Asia continue to develop, India’s role will expand beyond economic trade to manufacturing and strategic partnerships. “We depend on the goodwill of India, on the investments of India, on our cooperation with India, and that role is going to increase every year,” Azar stated.
The situation in the Middle East remains fraught with complexities, but Israel’s approach reflects a careful balance of diplomacy and military readiness. Retaliation against Iranian aggression is seen not as an escalation, but as a necessary step to maintain security and deter future attacks.
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Meanwhile, the growing role of countries like India in the region offers a new dimension to the traditional power dynamics. As India continues its ascent on the global stage, its influence in West Asia, particularly in areas like economic connectivity and strategic diplomacy, will only grow.
In this ever-evolving landscape, Israel remains committed to defending its sovereignty while seeking partnerships that promote peace and stability. The support and cooperation of rising powers like India will be essential in shaping the future of the Middle East, offering hope for a more secure and interconnected region.