Israeli Consul in New York Praises US Sanctions on Iran and Confirms Intelligence on Syria Operation

Ophir Akunis, Israel's Consul General in New York, publicly commended US President Donald Trump and his administration for imposing economic sanctions on Iran. Speaking at a synagogue in upstate New York on Friday night, Akunis described the sanctions as a crucial step toward toppling Iran's ruling regime, which he accused of destroying Iran itself, devastating Lebanon through Hezbollah, and threatening Western culture. He emphasized that the Iranian regime's hostility extends beyond Israel to the United States as well.

Akunis also addressed Israel's recent military action at the Abu al-Duhur military airport in northern Syria, near the Syrian-Turkish border. When asked about the operation, he stated succinctly, "We have excellent intelligence. We will continue to protect Israeli citizens from our enemies." This statement followed an unusual official acknowledgment by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz regarding the strike.

Akunis, a former Israeli Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, has been actively representing Israel in New York, frequently warning about rising antisemitism in the city and criticizing New York Mayor Zoran Mamdani's handling of the issue. He continues to work on strengthening ties between Israel and the Jewish community in New York, underscoring the importance of confronting Iranian threats and supporting President Trump's policies toward Tehran.

The US sanctions aim to pressure Iran by limiting its ability to fund terrorist organizations in the region, reflecting heightened tensions between Israel and Iran amid a more aggressive US stance against Tehran.