Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar shared key insights on Israel-Qatar ties, Palestine recognition, and hopes for Pakistan during a recent interview in New Delhi. Speaking on September 30, Azar emphasized that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has no grudge against Qatar itself—his focus remains on targeting terrorists operating there.
“We apologized for the tragic death of a Qatari citizen who was a guard,” Azar noted. But he highlighted a positive shift: Qatar’s acceptance of former US President Donald Trump’s peace proposal signals a shared vision for the region. This has paved the way for a new trilateral mechanism where Israel can voice concerns directly to Qatar, including worries over support for groups like Hamas, the Muslim Brotherhood, and other jihadi elements.
In the past, Azar said, Qatar seemed focused on keeping Hamas in power, which Israel opposed. “Now, things have changed. We can work together,” he added, pointing to this as a step toward stability in the Middle East.
Turning to European countries’ moves to recognize Palestine as a state, Azar called it a big error. “They jumped the gun without the basics in place—like strong institutions that hold leaders accountable to their people,” he explained. He drew lessons from history, including the Oslo Accords and Israel’s 2005 withdrawal from Gaza. Even then, Israel tried incentives to calm things down under Hamas rule, but it backfired. “When leaders aren’t committed to peace, democracy, or global cooperation, the results are devastating—as we saw on October 7,” Azar warned, referring to the Hamas attacks that sparked the ongoing Gaza conflict.
On whether Pakistan might recognize Israel someday, Azar expressed optimism. “I hope they do. It’s a crucial move that shows commitment to de-radicalization, just like other Arab and Muslim nations joining this vision,” he said. Time will tell, but he sees it as progress for the region.
Azar also touched on the latest US peace proposal for Gaza, predicting Hamas will only agree if Egypt and Qatar apply real pressure. “We hope it works—we don’t want the alternative. But if needed, we’ll pursue it,” he stated firmly.
This comes amid broader international support. On September 29, foreign ministers from Qatar, Jordan, the UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt issued a joint statement praising US efforts to end the Gaza war. The move underscores growing calls for a ceasefire and lasting peace in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
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