‘This is not an act of escalation. It is an act of preservation’
'The regime’s expansionist ideology, its support for terrorist proxies across the Middle East, and its growing arsenal of long-range missiles demand urgent action'
“When those who seek your destruction arm themselves with the means to achieve it, you must act swiftly, decisively, and without hesitation,” Israeli ambassador Amir Maimon said in a statement on Friday afternoon.
Israel launched airstrikes against Iranian targets on Friday morning AEST, in a preemptive military campaign dubbed “Operation Rising Lion”.
“This targeted preemptive military operation is to dismantle the Iranian regime’s advancing nuclear program,” Maimon said. “This is not an act of escalation. It is an act of preservation. Israel is exercising its sovereign right to defend its people and safeguard the security of future generations.”
For years, Maimon said, the Iranian regime has openly called for the destruction of Israel. “These are not idle threats. Today, Iran possesses enough enriched uranium to build nine nuclear bombs,” he said. “Recent reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency confirm that Iran is in serious breach of its international commitments and is accelerating its pursuit of weaponised nuclear capability.”
He said a nuclear-armed Iran poses an existential threat to the State of Israel and a grave danger to regional and global stability. “The regime’s expansionist ideology, its support for terrorist proxies across the Middle East, and its growing arsenal of long-range missiles demand urgent action,” he said.
“The Israel Defence Forces, through a carefully coordinated and precise campaign, have struck critical elements of Iran’s nuclear enrichment and weaponisation infrastructure.
“This operation is not merely a necessity. It is a strategic and moral imperative for Israel and for the safety of the world. Israel acts under its inherent right to self-defence under international law and will continue to do so wherever and whenever required.”
The ambassador stressed that Israel’s fight “is with the extremist regime, not the Iranian people, who deserve freedom and a future of peace once this threat is removed”.
“We will not wait for disaster,” he concluded. “We have acted to prevent it. In defending ourselves, we also help protect the security of many others.”
According to The Australian, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on Friday morning that Israel’s action “risks further destabilising” the Middle East.
“Australia is alarmed by the escalation between Israel and Iran,” she said on Friday.
“This risks further destabilising a region that is already volatile. We call on all parties to refrain from actions and rhetoric that would further exacerbate tensions.
“We all understand the need, the threat of Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile program. It represents a threat to international peace and security and we urge the parties to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy.”
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