People in India understand lasting peace comes by eliminating terror groups: Israel's Deputy FM on Hezbollah's disarmament
Tel Aviv, July 1
Israel's Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel on Wednesday said lasting peace and stability in Lebanon under the recently announced trilateral framework can only be achieved by eliminating "terrorist groups", referring to Hezbollah, asserting that "people in India understand" this reality in reference to New Delhi's own fight against cross-border terrorism.
Speaking to ANI on the issue of Hezbollah's disarmament as part of the Trilateral Framework announced by the US between Israel and Lebanon last week, Haskel said, "We will never stop hoping for peace and stability. The only way to reach it, as people in India understand, is by eliminating those terrorist groups."
Asked whether Israel would continue its military operations in Lebanon despite the framework, Haskel said the agreement provides a mechanism for cooperation but does not prevent Israel from acting against Hezbollah if necessary.
"Of course! The framework is a framework on how we can cooperate to push back Hezbollah, but wherever the Lebanese army is too weak to defend their country against this terrorist army, we will have to stand," she said.
On differences between Israel and the United States over policy towards Lebanon, Haskel said disagreements between allies were natural but stressed that both countries shared the same broader objectives.
"Disagreements existed even among friends," she said.
"Prime Minister Netanyahu is looking after the interests of Israel, as President Trump is looking after the interests of his nation. Our goals are similar--we know who is the real enemy of freedom, rights and democracy; it is radical Islamism," Haskel added.
This comes after the US announced the Trilateral Framework with Israel and Lebanon last week after several rounds of talks between the two sides aimed at ending decades of conflict and establishing a path toward lasting peace, security and normal neighbourly relations between the two countries.
According to the US Department of State, the framework commits Israel and Lebanon to pursue a comprehensive peace through direct negotiations with US mediation.
The State Department noted that Lebanon has pledged to restore full state authority across its territory by ensuring the Lebanese Armed Forces assume exclusive responsibility for the country's security and by achieving the verified disarmament of all non-state armed groups, particularly Hezbollah.
In return, Israel has said it will progressively redeploy its forces from Lebanese territory as agreed security conditions are met, reiterating that it has no territorial ambitions in Lebanon.
Commenting on the ongoing technical talks between the United States and Iran as part of the 14-point memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the hostilities in West Asia, Haskel said that she was not optimistic, describing the Islamic Republic as an aggressive regime and said New Delhi should also be concerned.
"Iran is a violent and aggressive regime. India should be alarmed as well," she said, while adding, "I don't have a lot of optimism with what I see."
On Israel's continued military operations in Lebanon, Haskel said Israel's actions were directed against Hezbollah and not the Lebanese state.
"War is a terrible thing, and Israel has done everything to try and avoid war, but we will defend our people," she said.
"Israel is not targeting the Lebanese government or military facilities; Israel is targeting Hezbollah's headquarters, rocket launchers, and missile warehouses. Yes, we gave a warning. We are only targeting Hezbollah's assets. War is a terrible thing, and Israel has done everything to try and avoid war, but we will defend our people," she added.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While I understand the point about terrorism, I hope Israel is careful not to harm innocent civilians in Lebanon. Having lived through the Kargil war and Mumbai attacks, we know how crucial it is to distinguish between terrorists and ordinary people. War is indeed terrible, and diplomacy should always be the first choice.
Interesting perspective from Israel's Deputy FM. India's experience with Pakistan-sponsored terror makes us natural allies in this fight. But I'm a bit skeptical about the trilateral framework - similar agreements in Kashmir haven't always worked. The devil is in the implementation details.
This is a double-edged sword. On one hand, we completely understand Israel's stance on terror groups - our soldiers have been fighting them for decades. But on the other hand, we also know how foreign powers have used "anti-terror" campaigns to justify occupation. Hope this framework actually brings lasting peace. 🤔
"Radical Islamism" being called the real enemy - that's a truth we Indians have been saying for years. From the Taliban to ISIS to Hezbollah, these groups are a threat to humanity. But let's also remember that India has always advocated for a two-state solution in Palestine. Balancing security with justice is the real challenge.
The comparison with India is valid but oversimplified. Our situation with Pakistan is different from Israel's with Hezbollah. That said, I appreciate Israel acknowledging India's fight against terrorism. Maybe we can learn from their intelligence operations while they learn from our diplomatic approach in West Asia. 😊
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.