Israel-U.S. Iran Sanctions: Consul Praises Trump Policy

Israel's consul general in New York, Ofir Akunis, publicly thanked President Donald Trump and his administration on Friday evening for imposing economic sanctions on Iran. Speaking at a synagogue in upstate New York, Akunis characterized the decision as "an excellent and important step in the right direction toward toppling the ayatollahs' regime."

Akunis emphasized that Iran's hostility extends beyond Israel. "The ayatollahs coined the slogan 'Death to America,' not just to Israel," he told the congregation. "They have destroyed Iran, devastated Lebanon through Hezbollah, and seek to destroy Western civilization of which we are all a part."

The consul general's remarks come amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran, with the Trump administration adopting a more confrontational approach toward the Tehran regime. The economic sanctions are designed to pressure the Iranian government and limit its capacity to fund terrorist organizations throughout the region.

When asked by synagogue attendees about recent Israeli military activity along the Syria-Turkey border, Akunis offered a brief response: "We have excellent intelligence. We will continue to defend Israeli citizens from our enemies."

His comments followed an Israeli airstrike on the Abu al-Duhur military airfield in northern Syria. In an unusual move, Defense Minister Israel Katz publicly claimed responsibility for the operation in a statement released on Shabbat.

Akunis, who previously served as Israel's Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, now holds a key position representing Israel in New York. In recent months, he has repeatedly warned about rising antisemitism in the city and sharply criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's handling of the issue.

The consul general continues working to strengthen ties between Israel and New York's Jewish community while emphasizing the importance of confronting Iranian threats and supporting President Trump's policies toward Tehran.