Israeli Ambassador to Kosovo: That is why we acted against Iran

In an exclusive interview for Telegrafi, Israel's first ambassador to Kosovo, Tamar Ziv, speaks up for the military operation “The game at the upgrade” launched by Israel on June 13th, which, according to it, aimed at neutralising the existential threats from Iran, including the nuclear programme and ballistic missiles.

Ziv expands her state's official position, stressing that Israeli attacks had military objectives. It also speaks of regional influence, efforts to avoid a broader escalation and Kosovo's role in supporting its citizens in Israel.

In the interview, the ambassador stresses that Iran poses a serious threat to international peace, underlining its involvement in financing and arming various terrorist groups in the region.

Read the full interview:

How do you assess the current security situation following the escalation of tensions between Israel and Iran?

Tamar Ziv: In the early hours Friday, June 13th, the state of Israel launched Operation “The lion on the freeze”, which was aimed at neutralising Iran's existential and immediate threat from Iran's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes. This operation is specifically aimed at military facilities and critical components of Iran's nuclear weapons programme, as well as key individuals involved in the nuclear programme. The attacks are also against infrastructure related to Iran's ballistic missile programme, which poses a direct threat to the state of Israel. In recent years, the Iranian radical regime has dedicated itself to the destruction of Israel's state as a binding directive. The regime repeatedly and publicly called for the extermination of Israel's State. Over the years, the regime has invested in a massive military strengthening to carry out its purpose to destroy Israel. The regime has developed a hidden nuclear weapons programme, as well as a large ballistic missile industry, developing their capacity to achieve targets even 4,000km away. The ISA report stated a few days ago that undoubtedly the Iranian nuclear programme was not meant for peaceful purposes. While negotiating with the US, Iran in recent months has rapidly produced highly enriched uranium and accelerated its efforts to develop nuclear weapons. This was happening as Iran systematically deceived the international community. Iran is just moments away from a nuclear weapon, and this left us no choice but to eliminate the threat before it was too late.

Tamar Ziv: In my opinion, the significant reduction of Iran's nuclear facilities and its ability to produce nuclear weapons, as well as its ability to produce and launch ballistic missiles, will significantly affect the situation in the Middle East. In recent decades, since Islamic regime took power in Iran, and as part of its plan to destroy the state of Israel, Iran has developed a wide network of terrorist groups surrounding Israel. Iran supplies these groups with funds, weapons, including rockets and advanced fears, as well as military financing, training and instruction. These groups include Hamas, Hezbollah, the Shiite militia in Iraq, the Huths in Yemen, and others, thus surrounding Israel with a “Fire ring “” in pursuit of Israel's destruction. Since October 7th 2023, Israel has greatly weakened Hamas, Hezbollah, and now Iran. Syrian regime has been changed as a result of these changes. I believe that the weaker these extreme terrorist entities are, the greater is the possibility of creating a Middle East that will be more peaceful and sustainable.

 Are you in touch with Kosovo institutions regarding Kosovo citizens currently in Israel?

Tamar Ziv: The head of the Kosovo Embassy Mission in Jerusalem, Mrs. Ines Demiri, is in direct contact with Kosovo citizens in Israel, as well as with the foreign affairs ministries of Israel and Kosovo, and they are helping all Kosovo citizens who are interested in leaving the country or in needing other kinds of assistance.

 In your opinion, what are possible ways to prevent further escalation of the conflict between Israel and Iran?

Tamar Ziv: The weaker Iranian missile infrastructure and nuclear weapons programme become, as well as the IRCG military capabilities (ICG Revolutionary Guard Force) -- the smaller is the possibility of further escalation. There is a greater opportunity to reach an agreement that will not enable Iran to develop these infrastructure again and thus prevent the escalation of conflict.

What is expected to be Israel's attitude in the coming days?

Tamar Ziv: Israel will continue operating in Iran until Iran's nuclear programme is significantly damaged, as well as the production and launching of ballistic missiles will be significantly destroyed. Unlike Iran, which is directing its deadly missiles towards the civilian population, Israel is targeting only military objects, as well as the components of the nuclear and missile programme. We have no choice but to defend our own safety and our very existence. I believe our military operation will contribute to a more stable Middle East, preventing Iran from destabilizing the region and beyond. Iran poses serious threat to international peace, security.