Israeli ambassador clarifies strategic military actions in Syria amid nuclear concerns

Israel’s Acting Ambassador to Russia, Alexander Ben Zvi, addressed the ongoing military operations in Syria, stressing that Israel does not seek to conquer the country.

The ambassador clarified that while ground operations are indeed being carried out along Israel’s border with Syria, these actions are not part of any territorial ambitions, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

Ben Zvi explained that Israel’s military activities in Syria are primarily focused on neutralizing threats to national security, especially from groups such as Hezbollah.

“These operations are not conducted solely for the protection of the Druze in Syria, although that is one aspect of it,” he said, acknowledging the possibility of further ground operations in response to specific threats. He emphasized that Israel's actions were guided by its security needs, particularly in the border zone.

The Israeli ambassador pointed out that these operations have primarily targeted weaponry and infrastructure that could pose a danger to Israel, such as shipments of advanced weapons from Iran to Hezbollah. “In recent days, operations have been conducted to destroy various weapons that could threaten the security of the State of Israel,” Ben Zvi added, specifying that the military actions have been confined to the border area, with Israeli airstrikes also aimed at preventing the smuggling of arms across borders, including between Syria and Lebanon.

While Ben Zvi reiterated Israel's focus on security, he was firm in stating that Israel has no interest in conquering Syrian territory. “Israel has no intention of conquering Syria or anything else,” he stated, dismissing any claims of expansionist ambitions.

The ambassador also noted that Israel is committed to engaging in ongoing discussions with Russia regarding Iran's nuclear program, emphasizing the critical importance of addressing this issue.

"Contacts on this issue will be ongoing, both at the Foreign Ministry level and through other meetings," Ben Zvi stated.

"As I mentioned, this is an issue that concerns us deeply." He highlighted that Israel seeks to address any potentially hostile actions by Iran against the Jewish state, aiming to influence such activities through its international partners to prevent further escalation.

Ben Zvi underscored that Iran's nuclear program is a constant point of concern for Israel, calling it "a strategic threat." He emphasized that it remains one of the most pressing topics on Israel's security agenda.

"This topic probably worries us most of all because it is a strategic threat to Israel," he said. "Therefore, it is crucial for us to engage in discussions with all of our partners to prevent Iran from advancing its nuclear ambitions."

The ambassador further elaborated that Israel maintains continuous communication with a wide range of partners, including Russia, to ensure that all possible efforts are made to prevent the realization of Iran’s nuclear program.

By Vafa Guliyeva