Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, has said that the recent strikes on Iran were approved and carried out only after Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed his visit to Israel, dismissing suggestions that the timing was connected to the trip.
In interviews to Indian media outlets, Azar said there was no prior indication during Modi’s two-day visit in late February that a military operation was imminent. He clarified that the decision to strike came later, when what he described as an “intelligence window” opened, providing an operational opportunity.
According to the envoy, Israel’s security cabinet gave the green light for the operation after the Prime Minister had left. The strikes were part of coordinated action with the United States and were based on real-time intelligence inputs rather than diplomatic considerations.
Azar said Israel has spent years strengthening its intelligence and defence systems to closely monitor threats from Iran. These capabilities, he noted, allow Israel to act quickly when credible information about potential risks emerges.
The ambassador stressed that Israel’s actions were aimed at countering security threats and not interfering in Iran’s internal affairs. He stressed that it is up to the Iranian people to decide their future adding that Israel’s focus remains on self-defence.
He also spoke about Israel’s air defence systems, including Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow, which are designed to intercept missiles and drones. While many incoming threats were intercepted, he acknowledged that no system provides 100% protection. He mentioned that newer technologies such as the Iron Beam laser system are being developed to improve defence capabilities.
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