Israel Not Planning Iran Attack, But Warns of Tehran's Election Interference Threat
Translated & summarized from Panet by baba
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated Israel is not planning an attack on Iran but warned Tehran might try to target Israel or disrupt elections. He dismissed a proposal for Jordan to manage West Bank affairs, citing its impracticality. Sa'ar highlighted Israel's growing international ties and efforts to prevent EU sanctions, while also expressing concern over settler violence and affirming law enforcement actions. He reiterated Israel's commitment to preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and expressed hope for future normalization with Saudi Arabia.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israel is not planning an attack on Iran, but Iran may attempt to target Israel or disrupt elections, according to Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar.
- Sa'ar rejected a proposal for Jordan to manage Palestinian affairs in the West Bank as unrealistic and a violation of principles.
- Israel's international relations are expanding, with five new embassies opened recently, Sa'ar reported.
- Sa'ar stated he has prevented EU sanctions against Israel despite opposition from some left-leaning European governments.
- Israel is taking action against settler violence in the West Bank, with 12 suspects arrested, Sa'ar confirmed.
- Preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons is an existential interest for Israel and benefits the region, Sa'ar asserted.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated that Israel has no intention of attacking Iran, but acknowledged the possibility of Tehran attempting to target Israel or disrupt upcoming elections. Sa'ar emphasized that Israeli security forces are prepared for such scenarios. He also commented on the Israeli-Palestinian issue, suggesting that a genuine resolution would require regional arrangements involving Jordan and Egypt, as neither the West Bank nor Gaza possesses sufficient strength for an independent state. Sa'ar stressed that Israel must retain sole responsibility for security as a prerequisite for any future settlement, noting that conditions for such a solution are currently distant.
Addressing a proposal by Knesset Member Avigdor Lieberman for Jordan to manage Palestinian affairs in the West Bank, Sa'ar dismissed it as a "bad plan." He argued it violates the principle of not allowing foreign armies west of the Jordan River and is unrealistic, given Jordan's 1988 disengagement from the West Bank and its withdrawal of citizenship from Palestinians there.
Sa'ar also highlighted Israel's expanding international relations, noting the opening of five new embassies during his tenure as Foreign Minister, particularly with Latin American countries. He acknowledged challenges and criticism but asserted Israel's strong global standing attracts many nations.
Regarding strained relations with some European countries over the war and settler violence in the West Bank, Sa'ar stated he has prevented EU sanctions against Israel, with some European nations opposing actions that harm bilateral ties. He noted that while some left-leaning European governments oppose Israel, this has not yet impacted overall EU relations.
On settler violence against Palestinians, American journalists, and foreign diplomats in the West Bank, Sa'ar expressed seriousness, citing the arrest of 12 suspects. He affirmed government instructions to security forces to enforce the law and prevent vigilantism, noting that arrests for such incidents were not widely reported in the media.
When asked about Israeli assistance to Saudi Arabia against Houthi attacks, Sa'ar declined to comment directly but reiterated the ongoing threat posed by Iran and its allies to Gulf states. He stressed Israel's commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, calling it an existential interest and beneficial to the entire region. Sa'ar expressed hope for Saudi Arabia's eventual return to the normalization process with Israel, joining countries like the UAE and Morocco.
Sa'ar confirmed he has not held direct talks with the Saudi Foreign Minister but stated that achieving normalization with Saudi Arabia is a goal dependent on weakening the Iranian regime.
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