The Israeli ambassador outlined Israel’s position on Pakistan, regional security challenges and economic opportunities, while highlighting India’s growing importance in shaping West Asia’s future.
Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar speaks on Pakistan's stance towards Israel, the Abraham Accords, Hezbollah, Iran and India's role in West Asia during an event in New Delhi on Monday. (Photo: ANI)
Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar on Monday said Israel does not trust Pakistan, citing what he described as anti-Semitic statements from Islamabad, and suggested that any future participation in the Abraham Accords would require a fundamental change in its approach towards Israel.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Greater West Asia Forum India (GWAFI) in New Delhi, Azar touched on a range of issues, from Pakistan’s position on Israel and the Abraham Accords to tensions with Hezbollah, pressure on Iran and India’s growing role in shaping the region’s future.
Advertisement
His remarks come at a time when West Asia continues to grapple with multiple flashpoints, including instability along Israel’s northern border and ongoing international efforts to contain Iran’s regional influence. Against this backdrop, the Israeli envoy underscored the importance of regional partnerships and economic cooperation, while arguing that long-term stability remains essential for prosperity.
Advertisement
Responding to questions on Pakistan’s rejection of the Abraham Accords, Azar said countries seeking to be part of the initiative must first recognise Israel’s place in the region.
“The issue of Abraham Accords derived from the clear view that comes from President Trump that Israel is a force for stability, wants peace and prosperity in the region, can be part of the Abraham Accords. We are not rushing into anything, and we don’t trust Pakistan, which is making these terrible anti-Semitic statements against the State of Israel,” Azar told ANI.
He also said recognition of Israel’s historical and religious ties to the land remains a prerequisite for any meaningful engagement.
“I think it will take a long time for them to recognise the rights of our indigenous people to the land of Israel, because Israel is part of this territory, not only according to our writings but also according to Islamic writings. And anyone who isn’t willing to recognise this doesn’t have much hope of joining the Abraham Accords,” he added.
Turning to the security situation on Israel’s northern frontier, Azar said Hezbollah continues to pose a serious challenge despite ceasefire arrangements.
According to the ambassador, Hezbollah launched attacks on March 2 and has since fired more than 1,000 rockets, resulting in civilian and military casualties in Israel.
“There is a very imminent threat coming from Hezbollah; they fired more than 1,000 rockets since the ceasefire was called and killed more than 12 Israeli civilians and soldiers,” he said.
Azar said Israeli forces were taking measures to address emerging threats, including those posed by unmanned aerial vehicles, while simultaneously pursuing diplomatic engagement with Lebanon.
“What we are trying to do now is to leverage that together with our peace negotiations with the Lebanese government in order to create a situation that we have a sustainable ceasefire that will ultimately lead to a sovereign Lebanon that is capable of controlling itself and neutralising the Hezbollah attempt,” he said.
The envoy stressed that Israel’s dispute was not with Lebanon as a state but with Hezbollah, which he described as a radical force hostile to Israel.
The ambassador also called for sustained international pressure on Iran, arguing that Tehran continues to pose security challenges across the region.
“They must renounce the two existential threats they built against Israel and the region,” Azar said, adding that pressure would continue until Iran accepts terms proposed by the United States.
He maintained that concerns about major disruptions to global energy markets had not materialised, pointing to declining oil prices as evidence that the international community had adapted to ongoing tensions.
At the same time, he cautioned that failure to confront Iran’s actions now could lead to a more severe crisis in the future.
Highlighting India-Israel ties and New Delhi’s growing economic influence, Azar described India as a major driver of future growth across West Asia.
“India has a huge role to play because India is the fastest-growing economy in our region,” he said.
The ambassador said deeper economic integration, investment flows and trade could transform the region if stability is maintained.
“We have to achieve stability, we have to neutralise the radical elements, and then India and we and all the countries in the region will be able to enjoy the prosperity,” he added.
Explaining Israel’s participation in the Greater West Asia Forum India, Azar said the platform offers an opportunity to exchange views with Indian stakeholders and better align perspectives on regional developments and bilateral cooperation.
Advertisement
