In an exclusive interview with Afrida Rahman Ali, Consulting Editor at Free Press Journal, Ambassador Reuven Azar of Israel shed light on the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, Israel’s relationship with India, and the broader geopolitical implications of regional instability. Here are the key highlights from the conversation.
Q: Ambassador Azar, Israel has been in the international spotlight for some time. As we reach what seems like a potential turning point in the conflict, could you tell us about the ceasefire deal that’s being discussed?
Ambassador Reuven Azar: Yes, we are at a significant juncture, but it’s not closure yet. The ceasefire deal, while temporary, is a step toward stability. It’s important to understand that the 7th of October massacre was a turning point for us. The terrorists believed they could defeat Israel, but in reality, we have decimated Hamas’ military machine. We’ve neutralized their rocket firing capabilities and intelligence networks, and taken out key leaders. However, we are not going to let our guard down—our priority is securing the return of hostages and ensuring that Hamas is no longer a threat.
Q: You mentioned Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. How do you assess the threat from Iran, especially in terms of their nuclear capabilities?
Ambassador Reuven Azar: Iran remains a serious threat, not only to Israel but to the entire region. Their desire to develop nuclear weapons while being a member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is completely unacceptable. While their position has weakened, we cannot afford to underestimate them. Israel will continue to pressure Iran diplomatically to abandon its nuclear ambitions, and we remain vigilant in protecting the region.
Q: The U.S. has long been a strong ally of Israel. However, many argue that Israel’s actions in the region are often influenced by U.S. policies. Do you believe Israel is being used as a pawn in America’s regional strategies?
Ambassador Reuven Azar: Absolutely not. The United States has been a stabilizing force in the region, supporting democracy, peace, and security. Israel has an independent stance and makes its own decisions. Our relationship with the U.S. is one of mutual benefit, where we cooperate on defense, intelligence, and regional stability. Both Israel and the U.S. share a vision for peace and stability in the Middle East.
Q: There is also a narrative that Israel’s actions in Gaza may be seen as aggression by the international community. Can Israel help rebuild Gaza and address the humanitarian crisis?
Ambassador Reuven Azar: This has been a tragic conflict, and every loss of life is regrettable. Israel has been facilitating humanitarian aid during the conflict, despite knowing that Hamas has taken this aid hostage. We face a difficult situation—if Hamas remains in control of Gaza, there is little hope for reconstruction. We cannot allow Gaza to remain under the control of terrorists who use their own people as shields. It’s not about refusing to rebuild Gaza, but we need the world to come together and make a decision on whether to support a regime led by Hamas. We are committed to protecting our citizens, and this requires eliminating terrorist threats.
Q: Shifting gears a little, how has your experience been in India so far? What’s your agenda here, and how do you see the relationship between Israel and India evolving?
Ambassador Reuven Azar: India is an incredible country with enormous potential. As an ambassador, my agenda is to strengthen ties between Israel and India in various sectors. We share common challenges, particularly in technology, defense, and infrastructure. We’ve already made significant strides, especially in agriculture, where Israeli technology has benefited millions of Indian farmers. Moving forward, we aim to expand our academic collaborations and deepen our business and cultural exchanges. India’s growing economy and Israel’s technological prowess create a synergy that can benefit both countries.
Q: Israel has a unique relationship with India, particularly in defense and technology. How do you see this evolving further?
Ambassador Reuven Azar: Our defense relationship with India is robust, and it’s expanding into new areas. Beyond defense, technology plays a key role in our growing ties. Israel is a leader in fields such as cyber security, water management, and agriculture. As India continues to develop, we see great opportunities for cooperation in infrastructure, including areas like smart cities and transportation. India is also Israel’s second-largest trading partner in Asia, and we expect this to grow even further.
Q: You also mentioned people-to-people contact. What steps are being taken to deepen these cultural and personal connections between Israel and India?
Ambassador Reuven Azar: The people-to-people relationship is essential. We’ve already seen strong cultural and academic exchanges, and this is just the beginning. We want to build more collaborations, whether it’s through film, tourism, or business. One of our biggest goals is to expand academic cooperation between Israeli and Indian universities. Israel’s technological sector is a major draw for Indian students, and we hope to see more joint research initiatives. We’ve also seen growing interest from Indian companies in working with Israel’s tech industry. There’s a lot of goodwill, and we aim to capitalize on that.
Q: Finally, what do you think about Israel’s role in the broader Middle East, especially given the shifting dynamics in the region?
Ambassador Reuven Azar: Israel plays a crucial role in promoting stability in the Middle East. Despite the challenges, we have managed to secure our position through technological innovation, military strength, and strategic alliances. We are working with regional partners to counter the threats posed by radical forces, and we believe that countries like India can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the region. The Abraham Accords are a testament to this shift, where countries are coming together to seek peace, prosperity, and collaboration, rather than division and conflict.
As Israel navigates through a complex geopolitical landscape, its alliances and strategic decisions will continue to play a significant role in shaping the Middle East’s future. Ambassador Reuven Azar’s insights highlight the ongoing efforts for peace and stability in the region, while emphasizing the importance of global cooperation in addressing the challenges ahead.