Israel Sees India as Potential Mediator Amid Rising Israel-Iran Conflict
Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, expressed a hopeful outlook on India's diplomatic potential to help ease escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. This comes shortly after a phone discussion between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
India’s Unique Position for Dialogue
Azar highlighted India’s unique diplomatic standing, noting that the country maintains strong relations with both Israel and Iran. "India has avenues for dialogue with both sides and can indeed play a role," he remarked, underscoring the value of India's sincere engagement in the ongoing conflict.
Context of the Escalation
The conflict between Israel and Iran has intensified recently, with both nations exchanging strikes. According to Azar, Israel’s latest actions are strictly defensive, aimed at neutralizing an "existential threat" posed by Iran's nuclear ambitions and expansive ballistic missile program.
"No country in the world wants such tensions, but Israel had no choice but to respond decisively," Azar emphasized.
Details on Iran’s Nuclear and Missile Threat
The ambassador described a covert effort by Iranian officials to develop nuclear weapons with the declared intention of exterminating Israel, as stated by Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Israel has reportedly taken deliberate steps against Iran’s nuclear sites and missile installations to thwart these efforts.
Azar revealed alarming figures about Iran’s missile plans: a goal to build 10,000 ballistic missiles within three years and 20,000 over six years, creating a daunting “ring of fire” around Israel, including threats from the southern front.
Israel's Resolve to Halt Uranium Enrichment
He stressed Israel’s commitment to ensuring Iran cannot enrich uranium, declaring Israel's determination to reach this objective "diplomatically or militarily." Azar also referenced a negotiation period endorsed by the United States, noting Israel acted immediately after Iran failed to comply beyond the allotted timeframe.
"Iran has consistently deceived the international community," Azar asserted, adding that Israel will maintain its operations until the Iranian nuclear threat is fully neutralized.
Targeted Strikes Against Iranian Military Figures
Addressing the targeted killings of Iranian military leaders and nuclear scientists, Azar framed these strikes as a necessary response to dismantle a "criminal plot" designed to eradicate Israel.
"Those responsible for this plan have been eliminated. We hope their successors reconsider the path they are on," he concluded.
Looking Ahead
The evolving situation places India in a pivotal role, potentially serving as a bridge for dialogue in a conflict with global repercussions. Israel’s ambassador’s remarks underscore the urgency and gravity of the matter while inviting collaborative diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions in the region.
