PM Modi with Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu (PTI photo) NEW DELHI: Israeli envoy to India, Reuven Azar, on Monday addressed the ongoing Middle East conflict, explaining the timing of Israel’s recent military operation on Iran and its relation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel in February.He acknowledged that tensions around Israel were already high before PM Modi’s arrival, but Tel Aviv waited until the Prime Minister’s departure to seize the “operational opportunity” to act against Iran.“It was evident that the situation is very volatile in our region even before Prime Minister Modi came (on February 25–26, 2026). When it comes to the decision to strike, the operational opportunity came only after PM Modi left. Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Iran calls Israeli bombing of fuel depots ‘ecocide’; Trump warns Nato over war falloutMajor fire breaks out at Dubai International Airport after drone strike; flights suspended — Watch’We’ll remember’: Trump asks 7 countries to send warships to police Strait of HormuzThe cabinet decision to approve the operation happened only 2 days after,” he told ANI news agency, addressing speculations about the timing of the US-Israel strikes on Iran. ‘Activate All Fronts Now’: Hamas’ Secret Letter To Mojtaba Khamenei Calls For Widespread War?On India’s position regarding the US-Israel conflict with Iran, Azar said, “We will continue our engagements with India. We have a lot of common interests. Of course, India will pursue diplomatic efforts that serve the Indian interests.”He also commented on Iran’s retaliatory strikes, noting that Israel had anticipated such moves. “We are not surprised, we knew that the Iranians have these capabilities. In fact, following our effort back in June, we have degraded the capabilities of Iranians and the damage that they are inflicting on Israel now is much less than what they did back in June. They decided to escalate by attacking 12 countries in the region. I think this is completely irresponsible…The pressure is on them and will continue to be on them because they are the aggressors.”Responding to disinformation around Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Azar said, “Prime Minister Netanyahu is alive. I saw him personally when I was in Israel more than once. This video at the cafe is not AI-fabricated. There is a lot of disinformation.”Regarding Israel’s strategic goals in the conflict, Azar said, “There is no shifting of the goal post. We have stated, at the outset, that we have three goals – to neutralise the nuclear threat, to neutralise the ballistic missile threat and to give the Iranian people an opportunity to embrace the future by degrading the capability of the forces of oppression inside Iran…So, we are doing exactly that. Nothing has changed in terms of our aims…We will make sure that after this war is over, the Iranian regime cannot reconstitute these plans.”About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosLPG Crisis Sparks Rajya Sabha Clash As Kharge Targets Govt And Nadda Hits Back In ParliamentTMC Stages Walkout Over Election Commission’s Move To Replace West Bengal BureaucratsUS Hints At India’s Role In Coalition To Secure Strait Of Hormuz During Escalating CrisisFire Breaks Out In Cuttack SCB Medical College ICU, CM Orders Judicial ProbeNo Secret Arrangement With Iran For Tanker Passage Through Strait Of Hormuz, Says Jaishankar37 Rajya Sabha Seats Go To Polls Today; Key Leaders Nitish Kumar, Nitin Nabin ContestDiscussed Ways To Fast-Track EU FTA With S Jaishankar: Piyush GoyalIndian Vessel ‘Jag Laadki’ Escapes Unhurt After Attack At Fujairah Oil TerminalSTF Arrests Man Who Helped Bangladeshi Murder Suspects Sneak Into India After Dhaka KillingRahul Gandhi Writes To PM Modi, Demands Bharat Ratna For BSP Founder Kanshi Ram123PhotostoriesWhen the heart sends a warning: How to respond to cardiac emergencies6 traditional tips to make regular Dal Chawal nutrition-denseTimothée Chalamet to Amy Madigan: Worst-dressed celebrities at the Oscars 2026This ‘one’ special feature of traditional Indian homes is missing now and why it needs to make a comeback‘Field of Dreams’ to ‘The Hunt’: Amy Madigan’s films to watch after historic 2026 Oscar win for ‘Weapons’Oscars 2026: Where to stream ‘One Battle After Another,’ ‘Sinners,’ ‘Weapons’, ‘Hamnet’ and other winning titles online7 loyal dog breeds that watch over kids like little guardiansOscars 2026: 7 best-dressed men who totally broke the internet and stole the red carpet!Common offenders of kidney health are not exotic foods but everyday foods consumed in excess: Nephrologist on foods and habits that harm kidneysNo LPG? 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NEW DELHI: Israeli envoy to India, Reuven Azar, on Monday addressed the ongoing Middle East conflict, explaining the timing of Israel’s recent military operation on Iran and its relation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel in February.He acknowledged that tensions around Israel were already high before PM Modi’s arrival, but Tel Aviv waited until the Prime Minister’s departure to seize the “operational opportunity” to act against Iran.“It was evident that the situation is very volatile in our region even before Prime Minister Modi came (on February 25–26, 2026). When it comes to the decision to strike, the operational opportunity came only after PM Modi left. The cabinet decision to approve the operation happened only 2 days after,” he told ANI news agency, addressing speculations about the timing of the US-Israel strikes on Iran.
On India’s position regarding the US-Israel conflict with Iran, Azar said, “We will continue our engagements with India. We have a lot of common interests. Of course, India will pursue diplomatic efforts that serve the Indian interests.”He also commented on Iran’s retaliatory strikes, noting that Israel had anticipated such moves. “We are not surprised, we knew that the Iranians have these capabilities. In fact, following our effort back in June, we have degraded the capabilities of Iranians and the damage that they are inflicting on Israel now is much less than what they did back in June. They decided to escalate by attacking 12 countries in the region. I think this is completely irresponsible…The pressure is on them and will continue to be on them because they are the aggressors.”Responding to disinformation around Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Azar said, “Prime Minister Netanyahu is alive. I saw him personally when I was in Israel more than once. This video at the cafe is not AI-fabricated. There is a lot of disinformation.”Regarding Israel’s strategic goals in the conflict, Azar said, “There is no shifting of the goal post. We have stated, at the outset, that we have three goals – to neutralise the nuclear threat, to neutralise the ballistic missile threat and to give the Iranian people an opportunity to embrace the future by degrading the capability of the forces of oppression inside Iran…So, we are doing exactly that. Nothing has changed in terms of our aims...We will make sure that after this war is over, the Iranian regime cannot reconstitute these plans.”
