'Israel Stands With India': Ambassador Reuven Azar Condoles Air India Plane Crash Deaths

Last Updated:June 13, 2025, 13:10 IST

Reuven Azar expressed solidarity with India over the Air India plane crash. He also warned of Iran’s nuclear ambitions, calling them an existential threat.

A file photo of Reuven Azar (AFP)

Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, on Friday conveyed Israel’s solidarity with India over the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad.

“I condole the deaths in the Air India plane crash and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," Azar said while speaking exclusively to CNN-News18.

“Israel stands with India in this difficult time," he added, expressing heartfelt sympathies for the victims and their families.

During the conversation, Azar also expressed grave concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, calling it an “existential threat" to Israel and a danger to global security.

The Ambassador also accused Iran of pursuing a nuclear weapons program in violation of international commitments.

“We have proof that Iran is actively working on a nuclear warhead. This is not just a threat to Israel—it’s a threat to the entire world," he said, citing direct signals from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that Iran has allegedly cheated on its nuclear obligations.

Azar warned that Iran is attempting to establish a “ring of fire" around Israel through regional proxies and aggression.

“We cannot take it lightly. Iran wants destruction—not just of Israel, but of regional stability," he stated.

“We have the right to self-defence, and we are ready to act," he said.

Azar underscored that Israel remains in close coordination with the United States but stressed Israel’s independence in military strategy.

“We are completely in sync with the US, but we are also ready to defend ourselves by ourselves. The US does not need to be part of the conflict if Iran continues to escalate," the Ambassador said.

On being asked about further military action, the Ambassador said, “Israel will continue to retaliate if Iran continues to attack us."

Concluding, Ambassador Gilon called for firm international action, saying, “Iran needs to be stripped of its nuclear capability. This is not just Israel’s fight—it’s a global imperative."

Vani Mehrotra

Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

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