Speaking to i24NEWS' Ariel Oseran 'On The Record', Former Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel defended Israel's recent strike in Syria near the Turkish border, saying it was necessary to confront radical Islamist forces gathering in the country.
When asked if the strike, which nearly triggered a military confrontation with Turkey according to U.S. Ambassador Tom Barrack, was justified, Haskel pushed back against criticism that Israel has become "trigger happy" following October 7th.
"None of these countries had to face a real life-threatening situation straight on their borders. So they don't understand it," she said. "And I will not let my children or my people die for the sympathies of European countries."
She described the terror groups operating in Syria as a serious concern. "What's happening there right now are armies. If you think that Hamas are some of the most brutal, most vile, disgusting terrorist organizations, this is nothing close to Jabat Nusra and others who were released from their prison and are now serving the police forces and army forces," she said.
On Israel's broader military doctrine, Haskel said the strategy must shift from managing conflicts to dismantling threats. "Whenever you try to manage it, it grows to proportions that become life-threatening. When you deal with these problems when they start, then you are able to prevent a far greater tragedy and war that will be coming."
She rejected calls from former President Trump to halt strikes. "When Trump says you need to stop your strikes in Gaza, you need to stop your strikes in Syria, we need to continue and do everything in our capability to make sure there is no threat on our children and our country."
On Lebanon, Haskel said Israel wants peace but cannot allow Hezbollah to remain armed. "We want peace with Lebanon. We are constructing a road for peace with Lebanon. But a terrorist, radical Islamist Iranian organization like Hezbollah must be disarmed."
