Israel officially announced that it has established air control over Iran, which according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is "a game-changer". But what else can we expect and how are the Bulgarians who want to return home getting along… The Ambassador of the State of Israel to Bulgaria Yossi Levi Sfari speaks to FACT.
- Ambassador Sfari, what is happening in Israel – on one side is “Hamas“, on the other Iran. The country is at war… Why is this happening at the beginning of the 21st century?
- What we are facing is not just a war between states - it is a clash between two worldviews. Israel is a modern, democratic, peace-seeking nation dedicated to coexistence and respect for human rights. But we are surrounded by radical forces that completely reject these values. The regime in Iran and its proxies - including “Hamas“, embody a medieval, extremist ideology that glorifies martyrdom and destruction.
This is not a conflict of choice. It is a confrontation forced upon us by those who seek our destruction. For years, Iran has been arming, training, and financing terrorist networks in the region, while simultaneously developing a nuclear and ballistic missile program. Israel cannot afford to ignore such threats. The fact that in the 21st century we are still fighting for our basic right to exist is tragic - but it is a reality.
- Do people in Israel realize why these military actions are being carried out? How does the Israeli government communicate with its citizens?
- In Israel, military service is not something distant - it is something personal. Almost every family has a son or daughter in uniform, a friend in the reserves, or a colleague on the front lines. This creates a deep sense of cohesion and clarity. Israelis understand why this fight is being fought and strongly support the need for action.
The government communicates openly with the public through regular briefings, transparent updates, and in close coordination with the civilian sector. There is a common understanding that we are not at war because we want to be. We are at war because we must defend our homes, our future, and our very existence.
- For years, Israel has been talking about Iran's nuclear program. Now, is today the critical moment to stop Iran from building a nuclear bomb?
- We are no longer issuing warnings - we are at the last possible moment. For years, while the international community has been negotiating, Iran has been quietly accelerating its nuclear program. Each round of negotiations has served as a smokescreen - to buy time. Today, Iran is not just on the verge of creating a nuclear weapon - it is also developing vast quantities of ballistic missiles capable of inflicting unprecedented damage.
We have already seen what a few dozen missiles can do to a city. Imagine thousands. This is the reality that we and the entire region may soon face if Iran is not stopped. This is no longer a hypothetical scenario. It is happening in real time.
If the international system does not act, Israel will not stand idly by. We will do what is necessary, because history has taught us the cost of underestimating evil.
- US President Donald Trump has announced his support for Israel. How is that possible?
- President Trump's statement in support of Israel reflects the deep strategic partnership between the United States and Israel. A relationship that goes far beyond words. This partnership is built on shared democratic values, common security interests, and decades of close cooperation. Just days ago, the US ambassador to Israel noted that the country is home to the second largest American diaspora in the world after Mexico - about 700,000 US citizens live in Israel.
In practice, US support includes robust diplomatic protection, intelligence coordination, joint military exercises, and advanced defense systems such as the “Iron Dome“, which has saved countless lives in Israel. This support also means unconditional solidarity with the country on the international stage, as well as defending our right to defend ourselves against the aggression of Iran and the terrorist networks it supports.
This is a testing time - not only for Israel, but for the entire free world. Israel is deeply grateful for the support of the United States. And we expect our other democratic allies to stand with us, sending a clear and united message - democracies will not succumb to intimidation and will stand up to those who threaten peace through violence and extremism.
- The US is redeploying many warships near Iran. What should we expect?
- I cannot comment on operational matters. But the growing threat from Iran requires clear signals of resolve. Democracies must stand firm against destabilizing aggression.
- Israeli aircraft are flying peacefully in Iranian airspace. What does this mean?
- While I cannot comment on specific operations, I can state that Israel has achieved complete air superiority and freedom of action in the skies over Iran. This capability sends a clear signal that Israel will not hesitate to act decisively in defense of its security.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to mediate in the Israel-Iran conflict. Is it possible… Is Russia waging war in Ukraine at the same time?
- Israel is conducting a preemptive operation with clear goals - to dismantle Iran's nuclear program, neutralize its ballistic capabilities, and stop the spread of terrorism in the region. Anyone who sincerely wants to contribute to achieving these goals is welcome.
- How can the Israel-Iran conflict be resolved. With force, with diplomacy…
- Israel is not seeking war. We are a democracy that seeks peace and stability - but we are also a nation that has learned the hard way that evil must be met early and decisively.
Diplomacy is always preferable, but only when it is honest and backed up by real consequences. Iran is using negotiations as a cover to develop its nuclear and missile programs. That is why we are now forced to act.
This conflict can end if Iran abandons its pursuit of nuclear weapons, stops arming terrorist groups, and stops threatening its neighbors. Until then, Israel will do what is necessary to protect its people and prevent a far greater catastrophe.
- Quite a few Bulgarians living in Israel want to return to Bulgaria. At the moment, the evacuation is taking place by buses to Egypt and then by plane. What is the latest information you have. How many Bulgarians are organized to leave?
- The Israeli authorities are in close coordination with the Bulgarian embassy in Tel Aviv to ensure the safe evacuation of Bulgarian citizens who wish to return home.
These are difficult times, and we deeply value the close relations between our two countries. The security of Bulgarian citizens is a common priority and we will continue to provide full support for the successful evacuation.
- There are also many Israeli tourists in Bulgaria who are having difficulty returning home. Are you communicating with them, what do they want, are they having any problems…
- Yes, we are in close contact with the Israeli tourists who are currently in Bulgaria, as well as with the local authorities and tour operators. Some flights have been canceled due to the security situation, but we are working hard to find solutions that will allow those wishing to return to Israel to do so safely.
We are grateful to the Bulgarian government for its cooperation and support at this difficult time. The friendship between our peoples is strong, and in moments like this it takes on even deeper meaning.