‘Iran is responsible’: Israel minister

Iran is responsible.

That’s the firm message from Israel’s Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa’ar when asked about Israel’s involvement in the on-going geopolitical tension in the Middle East against Iran that’s caused global shock in fuel prices.

“People should thank Israel and the United States for taking upon themselves this challenge,” Mr Sa’ar said, pointing to the two countries mission to eliminate any nuclear weapons in Iran.

As a result of the war, Iran had used its strategic leverage to close the Strait of Hormuz, declaring it a military zone.

“Iran is responsible for its behaviour. It attacked more than 10 states during the last war, including Arab states in the Gulf, attacked civilian infrastructure, energy infrastructure. And also, they haven’t delivered on what they said, not to have nuclear weapons.

“Speaking about peace is not a theoretical thing. If a radical, the most extremist regime in the world, can have nuclear weapons, this is very bad news. This will be very bad news for world peace and for world order.”

Mr Sa’ar said over the years, Israel had only targeted nuclear sites of extremist regimes.

“Think about 1981, when Israel attacked the nuclear reactor of Saddam Hussein in Iraq. Afterwards, the whole international community went to a war against Iraq.A decade and two decades afterwards, what would happen if Sadam Hussein would have nuclear weapon? If Israel wouldn’t destroy his nuclear problems, probably he will still be in power until today threatening all the region and all the world.

“Then in 2008, Israel attacked Bashar Assad’s nuclear problem. I remind you that Bashar Al Assad afterwards used chemical weapons against his own people. And during the civil war in Syria, he slaughtered a large amount of people. What would happen if Israel wouldn’t destroy his nuclear program? Probably he would be until today in power. So, what I want to say is a very simple thing. Those who usually condemn what Israel is doing are the same that enjoy from Israel.”

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said Fiji continued to follow the security development in the Middle east with very deep concerns.

“We recognise Israel’s legitimate security concerns and reaffirm its sovereignty and its sovereign right to protect its people against terrorism and threats to its very existence.

“At the same time, Fiji continues to support dialogue, diplomacy and a peaceful resolution to the conflict in accordance with international law and the principles of the United Nations.

“Fiji’s hope is for a stable and peaceful Middle east where all nations and communities can co-exist in safety and prosperity.”