Israeli Ambassador: PM Modi Was the First to Reach Out to Us After the Hamas Attack on October 7

Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his friendship and unwavering support for Israel, Reuven Azar, the Ambassador of Israel to India, disclosed on Wednesday that the Indian PM was the first global leader to reach out to the Israeli leadership following the devastating Hamas terror attack on October 7, 2023.
Over 1,200 individuals lost their lives in Israel during this tragic event, with another 250 taken hostage.

“We genuinely admire the achievements of India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. His friendship is incredibly precious to us. He was the first to contact us after the events of October 7. Throughout the past year and a half, he has supported us steadfastly. We share similar viewpoints and challenges. Therefore, I am confident that in the upcoming years, our collaboration will grow significantly,” Azar stated in an exclusive interview with IANS.

He also addressed the situation in Gaza, the ceasefire, the backing of the current US administration, and various other topics.

Interview excerpts:

IANS: As Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu mentioned recently, we are indeed at a “historical turning point” and defining moment for Israel. What are your thoughts?

Reuven Azar: Absolutely, it is a crucial moment in our history as we have stood firm, not just surviving but also responding decisively to the attack on October 7. This involved not only the atrocities committed by Hamas but also the broader threats posed by Iranian proxies against Israel. We’ve successfully mitigated a significant threat represented by hundreds of thousands of rockets from Hezbollah, and capabilities being developed in Syria and Iran against us. The success of our military operation means that Hamas’s military capabilities can no longer threaten our population centers in Israel. Moreover, Hezbollah does not pose a significant threat to northern Israel, and Iran suffered severe setbacks at critical points in their missile program. This collective weakening of enemies sworn to our destruction creates an opportunity for peace and stability. We now have a window to leverage Israeli military victories and the arrival of the Trump administration to accomplish much for the region.

IANS: What is the current situation in Gaza?

Reuven Azar: We have successfully brought back most of our hostages, leaving about 69 remaining, half of whom we believe are dead. We have returned nearly 190 hostages and remain determined to achieve our cabinet’s objective. This means recovering all hostages while ensuring that Hamas is completely dismantled and can no longer function as a military threat or govern Gaza. We recognize that if Hamas resumes power in Gaza, it will shorten the timeframe until we face another October 7; thus, we are resolutely working towards both objectives – retrieving the hostages and eliminating Hamas’s military capabilities.

IANS: What do you think about US President Donald Trump’s suggestion to relocate people from Gaza?

Reuven Azar: There is an anomaly concerning Gaza. In other conflict zones, such as Ukraine or Syria, people are allowed to seek refuge in safer areas until the conflict subsides. However, this is not the case in the Gaza Strip. The (US) President was suggesting something quite reasonable – that Gazans could temporarily relocate to safe havens until conditions improve in Gaza. This would not be a forced relocation but on a voluntary basis. If there are nations willing to accept Palestinians seeking refuge, it could be arranged.

IANS: How does the Trump administration differ from the Biden administration?

Reuven Azar: We are optimistic because we witnessed what the first Trump administration achieved in the region, including the Abraham Accords. This administration brought significant gains for Israel, like the American recognition of Jerusalem as our capital, moving the US Embassy to Jerusalem, recognizing Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights, and more. We are hopeful that with this Trump administration, we can achieve even more. We have maintained good relations with all US administrations, including the Biden administration, but there have been some gaps related to the management of our defense against Hamas attacks. For instance, the previous administration urged restraint on certain operations and withheld necessary weapons. Those constraints no longer exist, as President Trump has clearly stated his commitment to support Israel’s choices for self-defense, which is reassuring.

IANS: US President Donald Trump has voiced concerns about USAID’s role and its funding possibly used for undermining governments…

Reuven Azar: That is up to the United States to decide how it chooses to engage globally. We do not intervene in those processes. I have not witnessed USAID directly causing governments to fall. However, we have seen that occasionally funds are utilized for various purposes by different agencies. The question remains whether the administration will continue its current approach or alter it. That is a decision for the United States to make. We have worked effectively with the US in the past, especially coordinating assistance for Palestinians, and we are prepared to facilitate that cooperation when necessary, regardless of the funding source.

IANS: Are you worried about how some media outlets are covering the conflict? Recently, the BBC came under scrutiny for its documentary linking to Hamas…

Reuven Azar: Yes, this is indeed a concern. Several issues continue to complicate media coverage of the Middle East. Many networks within the Middle East actively propagate narratives favorable to radical Islamists, such as Al Jazeera. This is a significant obstacle for both us and the Western world, as these channels promote values that encourage violence against non-Muslims. Furthermore, many Western outlets can also be biased; the reporters working there, especially those who cover the Middle East and produce content in Arabic, may have affiliations that affect their reporting. For instance, the BBC Arabic service employs individuals with links to the Muslim Brotherhood, creating biased narratives. In many cases, terrorist organizations in Gaza impersonate journalists while simultaneously being affiliated with these groups. This was evident in a recent BBC piece featuring a child whose father was a Hamas operative. People often fail to differentiate between fact and propaganda, which persists because these stories are not thoroughly verified. These challenges are significant, especially since Israel is just one country with limited media presence compared to the multitude of outlets in the Arab and Muslim worlds.

IANS: What message do you have for supporters of radical Islamists?

Reuven Azar: Our significant advantage over radicals lies in our love of life, which surpasses their glorification of death. This cult of death, claiming that willingness to die for a cause confers an advantage, actually works against them. In Israel, our reverence for life motivates us to defend it vigorously. We refuse to sacrifice our lives without purpose; our aim is to live in a thriving country, protect our families, and safeguard what is meaningful to us, as we have no other place to go. Therefore, we possess a considerable advantage over radicals. We must collaborate to foster moderation and combat radical ideologies. This is particularly pressing in the Gaza Strip, where Hamas has spent 18 years radicalizing the education system. Children are systemically taught that their purpose is not to live in peace but to destroy Israel and kill Jews. This paradigm must change; without a shift in the education system, our future remains bleak. We share a challenge in promoting moderation and deradicalizing societies.

IANS: Is Hamas a threat to India too, especially given its connections to Pakistan?

Reuven Azar: Sadly, terrorist organizations often operate through networks, providing mutual support that can be harmful to multiple nations, not just ours. Recently, a gathering of Hamas leaders occurred in areas under Pakistani control in Kashmir, illustrating the solidarity among these groups. They collaborate towards a shared objective: to instill terror in Israel and India, which must be factored into our strategies.

IANS: What guidance would you offer to Indian leaders who support the Palestinian cause?

Reuven Azar: I do not believe it is my place to advise anyone. However, we share a mutual aspiration for peaceful coexistence. We trust that individuals in our region deserve peace, and we can meet aspirations on both sides, provided there is recognition of each other’s rights. Palestinians willing to coexist peacefully and recognize our right to self-determination will find that we will reciprocate. Negotiation for a peaceful agreement is possible. Conversely, those who demand Palestinian rights while refusing to acknowledge our rights and resorting to illegitimate means should be wholly rejected. We expect that any peace-loving leader, regardless of their location, will join us in striving for a more peaceful and violence-free world.

IANS: Meanwhile, the India-Israel partnership is advancing significantly. What are your thoughts on this?

Reuven Azar: This partnership is truly exceptional because our leaders share common beliefs. They aim to foster development, encourage entrepreneurship, and prioritize freedom, reform, and free markets. We have been collaborating on various fronts, including defense, water management, and irrigation. We face additional challenges in high-tech and innovation, which can significantly impact each economy. Recently, a substantial delegation from Israel, led by our Minister of Economy Nir Barkat, visited India, comprising 80 to 100 companies eager to engage in business. They met with Indian firms, and we also aim to collaborate on infrastructure. India’s strengths in infrastructure are valuable. There’s a significant agenda ahead as we seek to formalize agreements that facilitate trade and enhance our financial cooperation. We are diligently working with the Indian government towards these goals. I hope that as we emerge from this conflict, we can move forward with momentum. We’ve seen several high-level visits recently, including transport and economy ministers, and we plan to increase the frequency of these visits. Additionally, Israeli university presidents are engaging in collaboration, connecting their innovation units to work together on future technologies. India is ascending as a global power, and its importance as a business partner and a vital component in our supply chain is increasingly recognized. I predict this will become integral to our national security strategy, and I am genuinely pleased to be here.

IANS: US President Donald Trump has proposed selling F-35 fighter jets to India. Given that Israel utilizes these advanced jets, what impact could their acquisition have?

Reuven Azar: Advanced military technologies are vital to maintain a strategic advantage over adversaries. We’ve received several squadrons of F-35s, which have proven highly effective in securing Israeli air supremacy in the Middle East. Should India acquire F-35s, it would undoubtedly provide a comparable advantage.

IANS: Indian diplomacy has garnered significant acclaim for its balanced approach recently. What are your views on this?

Reuven Azar: Diplomacy often requires balance. Over the past year and a half, the support that India has extended to us has been commendable and has not come at the expense of its other international relations. This demonstrates that positive relations with us can coexist with India’s connections to other global players.

IANS: India and Israel are also collaborating on connectivity initiatives, including IMEC and the port of Haifa…

Reuven Azar: Logistics rely heavily on networks. The efficiency of those networks is critical for facilitating trade in a more economical, effective, and faster manner. Therefore, India’s initiative to enhance connectivity is both expected and welcome from our perspective. We aspire to be integral to this effort, which also requires stable strategic foundations. Our security cooperation with our Arab allies, under American auspices, fosters confidence in executing these connectivity corridors that link India to Europe via the Middle East and vice versa. This holds immense potential, as it extends beyond trade to encompass communication and energy among various sectors. If realized, this initiative will benefit not only India but also the greater region.

IANS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emerged as a prominent global leader; how do you perceive his leadership?

Reuven Azar: We are genuinely impressed by India’s accomplishments under PM Narendra Modi’s guidance. His friendship is invaluable to us, and he was the first leader to reach out following the events of October 7. He has consistently supported us throughout the previous year and a half. We share similar perspectives and challenges, leading me to believe that we will achieve much more together in the future.

IANS: What makes the India-Israel partnership unique across various sectors like defense, agriculture, and technology?

Reuven Azar: The uniqueness stems from our defense collaboration, as Israel was arguably the first nation to align with India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. We’ve established numerous joint ventures producing advanced drones, autonomous helicopters, and various munitions on Indian soil. Israeli companies have set up maintenance facilities for the equipment provided to the Indian Armed Forces, and we are initiating joint R&D projects. This represents a special level of trust developed over years of hard work between security establishments and businesses, which is significant for both nations. In agriculture, India’s investment in Israeli technology has proven fruitful, significantly benefiting farmers by improving crop yields and transforming India into a net food exporter, which is also crucial.

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