Israeli government spokesperson says ‘key partner’ India has a ‘voice of reason’ that could act in the region – Times of India

As tensions escalate in West Asia, the deputy spokesperson for IsraelState Department Secretary Alex Gandler said on Wednesday that India has a “voice of reason” and could act in the region at a time like this and define the country as an important partner.
He urged a “message of calm” to be sent Iranwhich says it must dissolve its powers and stop attacking Israel.
During an exclusive interview, Gandler said: “We have a very good relationship with the Indian government. Great appreciation at government level, but also at person-to-person level. India is an important partner for Israel. We see India as a voice of reason that could act in this region.”
Gandler emphasized that there are mediators who side with Iran, stating that a mediation message should instead be given to Tehran to stop their rhetoric against Israel.
“There are a lot of mediators in the middle, a lot of people talking about what should and should not be done with Iran. I think, first of all, perhaps a message of calm should be conveyed to Iran, a message of mediation that will say that Iran must dissolve its proxies, stop attacking Israel and stop the rhetoric against Israel both on the international stage as well as internally…,” said the deputy spokesperson.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists launched a surprise attack on Israel. Israel responded with air strikes and ground operations Gazatargeting Hamas infrastructure and leaders.
Israel has characterized its offensive in Gaza as eliminating the entire terrorist group while working to minimize civilian casualties.
According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, more than 35,000 Palestinians have been killed in this war. The war has expanded in the region recently, with Houthi rebels in Yemen also targeting Israel and other Red Sea countries.
“…We are surrounded by rockets, not just Lebanon and Gaza. A few weeks ago Iran shot rockets at us and Yemen, of course at us too. We consider it a seven-front attack on Israel. The situation is very fluid , we currently have the upper hand and the Israeli army is a very strong force and is capable of deterring any missile that comes in or any terrorist that approaches our borders…,” the deputy spokesperson added.
Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar highlighted the return of hostages held by Hamas to mark the one-year anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack with a solemn ceremony here in New Delhi on Monday.
Reuven Azar had on occasion given a speech: “A year ago, on October 7, our being was shaken. It took a few hours to understand the terrible atrocities taking place at our southern border. Israel will triumph. We will defeat our enemies. We will bring back hostages. We will work hard to learn from our mistakes.”
Highlighting India’s support to Israel, the envoy thanked India and said, “We are grateful for the support of the government and people of India, who are working with us and our neighbors to build a better future.”
Furthermore, Azar described the shocking scenes of murder, kidnapping and burning, and the celebrations in Gaza as hostages were dragged from vehicles.
“These terrorists were killing and bragging about it. They are worse than animals,” the ambassador had emphasized.