In an interview with DW, Israel's Ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor, defended his country's military strikes against Iran and Lebanon, while advising German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to show more 'tact.' The interview took place on Israel's Day of Remembrance for fallen soldiers and terror victims, April 21, at the Israeli embassy in Berlin.

Prosor emphasized the ongoing security challenges: 'You entered the embassy and saw the level of security. It shows how Israeli diplomats have to work abroad.' He noted that Israel has been in a constant state of war since its founding in 1948. The Day of Remembrance honors those who secured freedom and democracy, but this year it coincides with global criticism of the Gaza war and attacks on Iran and Lebanon.

Regarding Iran, Prosor stated: 'For years, Europe and the world negotiated with the Iranians. It didn't stop the nuclear program, and ballistic missiles produced in Iran were moved to Moscow. Russia uses them in Ukraine, threatening Europe's backyard.' He called Iran an existential threat: 'The mullahs and ayatollahs openly state a policy to annihilate Israel. This ideology is deadly, as we saw with Hamas and Hezbollah.'

Asked whether military operations since October 7, 2023, have made Israel safer, Prosor replied: 'Look at the region. For the first time, Lebanon has a government without Hezbollah. Bashar Assad is drinking vodka in Moscow. The mullahs in Iran are weakened, Nasrallah is dead, Hezbollah and Hamas are weakened. There is an opportunity to change the region.'

Israel-Germany relations are strained: the last intergovernmental consultations were eight years ago. Berlin criticizes Israel's strikes on Lebanon, actions in Gaza, and settler violence in the West Bank. Prosor acknowledged disagreements but urged focus on 'the half-full glass.' He listed German politicians who visited Israel after October 7: 'The president, foreign minister, chancellor, Bundestag president — incomparable to other European countries.'

On the two-state solution, Prosor said: 'Many politicians repeat it like a parrot. In 2005, I was involved in the unilateral withdrawal from Gaza and believed in a peaceful solution. After October 7, everything changed. We will reach out to those who truly want peace, but we will hold the Shield of David close — only a strong Israel can achieve peace.'

Finally, Prosor addressed the controversy between Chancellor Merz and Israeli Finance Minister Smotrich. Merz expressed concern about West Bank annexation; Smotrich responded: 'Mr. Chancellor, the days when Germans dictated to Jews where they could live are over.' Prosor defended Merz as a friend of Israel but noted: 'The key is the day it was said — Holocaust Remembrance Day. That's why the minister reacted. The same could have been said a day later.'

Source: www.dw.com