Israel’s Ambassador Reuven Azar praises India’s economic, political role in West Asia, says ‘encouraged by support for…’

Israel's Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, has praised India for its economic and political role in West Asia and highlighted that Israel was “encouraged” by India's support for its self-defence.

Speaking with news agency ANI, Reuven Azar said, “We have good relations with India. We were encouraged by the fact that India has supported our right for self-defence. I think that India has a huge role to play in West Asia because of what they have to offer and what they bring to the table, both economically and also politically.” 

India Supports Two-State Solution

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first world leaders to condemn Hamas' October 7 2023 attack on Israel, and called for a ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. India has also repeatedly pushed for the ‘two-state solution’ to the long-running Israel-Palestine conflict.

On Gaza Operations

Reacting to Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar's killing, Israel's Ambassador stressed that while Israel has managed to destroy the military machinery of Hamas in Gaza, more actions are needed in the besieged strip and in Lebanon.

“We've managed to destroy the military machinery of Hamas, but still, there's some work to do in Gaza and also in Lebanon. We are hoping to get into a situation in which our communities can go back and live free of any threat, both in the south and in the north. We have a lot of resolve to achieve that,” he said.

On a ceasefire, Azar said, “I don't know. It depends on the other side. We have said very concretely what we want to achieve. Situation in which Hamas doesn't rearm and regroup in the Gaza Strip, and a situation in which the UN Security Council resolution is implemented in south Lebanon, and our population can live free of any Hezbollah threats.”

(With inputs from ANI)