Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar made a series of important statements that reflect the country’s position on key international issues.
Russia – Aggressor
Saar emphasized that despite Israel’s participation in the UN vote, where the country voted alongside the United States and Russia, its position remains unchanged. He stated:
“We voted together with the Americans, and I truly believe that Russia is an aggressor,” Saar said in an Politico interview on February 26, 2025 during his visit to Brussels this week. “We did not change our position, but we felt it was right to give the U.S. initiative a chance to try to end this war and resolve the conflict peacefully.”
Thus, despite diplomatic maneuvers, Israel still considers Russia the main aggressor in the “conflict in Ukraine.”
The UN Vote and Its Significance
Although Israel participated in the vote on a resolution supported by the United States and Russia, the vote itself did not change the country’s position. Key points:
- Israel: Voted against Ukraine, remaining true to the belief that Russia is waging an aggressive war.
- The United States and Russia: Supported the resolution, reflecting a complex international dynamic.
- Ukraine: Criticized the positions of the voting countries.
| Country | Position on the Vote | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Israel | Against Ukraine | Maintains the position “Russia – Aggressor” |
| United States | Supported the Resolution | Voted alongside Israel and Russia |
| Russia | In Favor of the Resolution | Supports its own interests |
| Ukraine | Criticized the Vote | Expressed dissatisfaction with the positions of the voting countries |
The Threat of Iran’s Nuclear Arsenal
Saar drew attention to the danger posed by the potential development of nuclear weapons by Iran. In his view, if Iran is allowed to develop an atomic bomb, it would lead to a sharp escalation in the Middle East and trigger an arms race involving:
- Egypt
- Saudi Arabia
- Turkey
Although the diplomatic path remains preferable, Saar noted that military measures might become the only way to maintain stability in the region in the face of a real threat.
The Situation in Syria
Saar also commented on the state of affairs in Syria. He noted a positive moment for Israel and Europe:
“Europe is pleased, and we are pleased that Assad is gone.”
However, the minister also expressed concerns that the new Syrian regime could worsen the situation of the Alawite community, to which the ousted leader Bashar Assad belonged. This indicates that even positive changes can be accompanied by new risks.
Final Conclusions
Gideon Saar’s key statements can be summarized as follows:
- Unwavering Position on Russia:
Israel remains convinced that Russia is waging an aggressive war against Ukraine, despite its participation in the UN vote. - The Real Threat of Nuclear Weapons:
The potential development of nuclear weapons by Iran could lead to an armed escalation that would require readiness for military measures. - The Complex Situation in Syria:
Assad’s departure is viewed positively, but the new regime may create additional problems for certain groups of the population.
These facts reflect Israel’s strategy for ensuring national security and demonstrate its readiness to defend its interests in the context of a complex international situation.
