Israel’s ambassador to Greece, Noam Kats, explains in an exclusive interview with pagenews.gr and journalist Sophia Hytou the strategic cooperation with the US under Donald Trump, the close relationship with Netanyahu, Israel’s approach to Iran and Hezbollah, the resilience of the Israeli economy, and the importance of cooperation with Greece in defense, energy and technology. The interview reveals why Israel remains a pillar of stability in the Middle East.
“Israel is not fighting Iran, but the regime that threatens peace in the region. Peace comes through strategic cooperation and our hard work.” – Noam Kats, Israeli Ambassador to Greece
Interview with Noam Kats
EOPOLITICS – NEW ENVIRONMENT IN THE MIDDLE EAST
How does Israel perceive the new geopolitical balance after the recent military engagement with Iran;
“Since its inception, Iran’s Ayatollah regime has declared its commitment to replacing the State of Israel. This is one of the fundamental beliefs of its ideology. It was not just words; Iran developed the means to achieve it. They began developing a military nuclear program, developed ballistic capabilities, and created terror armies in neighboring countries and in the Middle East, such as the Hezbollah terror army in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, the Hamas in Gaza, and acted to further their own goals. We have been in constant military conflict with Iran for a long time. The American-Israeli operation, led by the US and President Trump, is aimed at destroying Iran’s threat capability in the region and beyond. The first objective is to destroy their ballistic missile capability, launchers, missile stockpiles and production capacity.”
Is Iran the only threat in the region?
“No, all this capability, as proven by reality, reaches from Cyprus to all the Gulf countries, over 12 countries, including Turkey and Azerbaijan, that have been attacked by Iran during this engagement. Without any provocation or participation in the US-Israeli operation. It is the ballistic and nuclear capability that threatens the world order and world peace and security. Other capabilities, such as Iran’s military naval capability, continually threaten supply chains and freedom of navigation.”
Strategic alliance with the US
How deep is the strategic understanding between Israel and the US?
How deep is the strategic understanding between Israel and the US?
“We have had strong, unbroken relations with the US for years. There is also a very close relationship and chemistry between the US President and Prime Minister Netanyahu. The United States is the main power in the world that acts as a stabilizer. This war aims to stabilize the Middle East, not destabilize it. We are fortunate that President Trump has the courage, leadership and determination to change reality. He led the way for peace in the Middle East with the Abraham Accord in his first term, and we believe we will be better positioned in the region to rejuvenate relations between pragmatic powers and bring more stability.”
Israel – Greece: strategic axes
What are the most important geopolitical values shared by Greece and Israel?
What are the most important geopolitical values shared by Greece and Israel?
“Looking west, we see Greece and Cyprus, Israel’s quieter borders. We have an interest in consolidating relations between our countries to bring more prosperity to our societies. At the same time, we have a vision of connectivity. This alliance aims to improve the lives of citizens, stability and as a bridge between the Indo-Pacific and Europe. The two countries share a vision to be an important part of supply, energy, trade and data chains that will increase stability and the countries’ ability to address challenges from climate to security.”
Economy and Resilience
How resilient is the Israeli economy in a long-term war? “If you had asked me in October or November ’23, my answer would have been different. The proof is that Israel’s economy is extremely resilient and capable. We only had one quarter in late ’23 and early ’24 when we had a dip in growth, and since then the economy has been steadily rising, despite the war. We have strong economic drivers, such as technology, startups and innovation, as well as high-tech military industries, demonstrating the resilience of the system. Despite the spending, the production/debt ratio is better than many European countries and successful economies.”
GLOBAL ENERGY – OPMHOUSE’S STAGE
How likely is a global energy crisis
“Wars in areas of high production create difficulties for the countries affected. We saw it after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and with the rise in energy prices in Europe. Now it is under control, with the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, alternative routes, reserves and increased production. The biggest energy supplier is the US and I believe the market will stabilize.”
IRAN – NEW STATE
How does Israel view the rise of Mojtaba Khamenei ;
“As I said, father and son. Mojtaba Khamenei is recorded as a hard-core. If Iran maintains the current regime, it will remain strict. We hope that cracks and war will lead to change. We cannot create governments, but pressure can liberate Iranians and lead to change.”
Further escalation or change of strategy by Iran;
“If Iran changes its approach and becomes a productive player on the global agenda, everyone will be happy, first in our region and in our neighbors. The main problem is not Iran, but the current administration and ideology that is destabilizing from the revolution. If it changes, Iran will become a direct partner.”
LEBANON – Hezbollah
What is the role of Hezbollah and Israel’s position?
What is the role of Hezbollah and Israel’s position?
“Hezbollah decided to join Iran in the attack on Israel. Now there is an Israeli operation to reduce its strength. Hezbollah serves Iran’s interests, not Lebanon’s. The Lebanese government has banned Hezbollah, but it lacks capacity. The main problem is liberation from this terrorist organization. Israeli actions are not aimed at the people or the government, but are aimed at weakening Hezbollah to facilitate the government.”
Through his clear and decisive voice, Noam Kats emerges as a pillar of strategy and stability in the Middle East, a diplomat who combines geopolitical insight with a realistic political approach. Through his analysis of cooperation with the US, the relationship with Netanyahu, the strong stance against Iran and Hezbollah, and his support for cooperation with Greece, Kats demonstrates that Israel balances security and diplomacy. His ability to clearly explain complex strategic issues while showcasing the resilience of the Israeli economy and commitment to peace, makes him not only a representative of his country, but also a important leader of international stature, capable of inspiring confidence and shaping the geopolitical future of the region in a positive way.
Source: pagenews.gr
