- Israel’s ambassador to Ghana, Roey Gilad, says Iran’s threats since 1979 justify recent Israeli missile strikes
- Israeli public shows consensus that strikes were necessary, with debate only on timing
- Ambassador Gilad stresses Israel’s actions are about survival, not games
Israel’s ambassador to Ghana, Roey Gilad, stated that Iran’s threats dating back to the 1979 Islamic Revolution justify Israel’s recent military strikes, describing Tehran’s stance as a persistent existential threat that has now become a serious and urgent danger.
Speaking on PM Express on Monday, June 16, Ambassador Gilad emphasized that Israel’s missile attacks on Iran were necessary and long overdue.
“The answer is straightforward,” he said when asked why Israel launched missiles into Iran.
“When your enemy openly declares its intention to eliminate you—to annihilate and erase you from the face of the earth—as Iranian leaders have done since February 1979, that’s when concern becomes imperative.”
He cautioned that Iran poses a threat to Israel both ideologically and technologically.
“Many adversaries wish to erase us but lack the capability. Some states have the capability but lack the desire. When an enemy has both the will and the means—that’s when the alarm bells ring,” he stressed.
The ambassador confirmed that the recent strikes on Iranian soil targeted military and government facilities, reportedly killing several senior Iranian officers. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue the campaign “as long as necessary.”
Gilad echoed this determination and highlighted increasing domestic support for the strikes.
“Israelis are known for their strong opinions, making consensus rare. But now there is broad agreement that this was the right action. The only debate is whether it should have happened sooner.”
He cited Iran’s rapid military buildup as the immediate catalyst.
“They have enriched uranium up to 60%, enough for approximately nine nuclear bombs. Additionally, they are developing between 2,000 and 3,000 ballistic missiles. They have already launched 200 against Israel, causing significant damage.”
Asked if the strikes focused solely on the nuclear threat, the ambassador clarified that the danger is twofold.
“It’s both the nuclear threat and the missile threat. The combination of capability and intent—that’s the real risk.”
Ambassador Gilad was clear about the gravity of the situation.
“This is not a game. We are fighting for survival. When you know your enemy wants to destroy you and is getting closer to achieving that, you do not wait for the final blow.”
