Watan–In a brief statement to accredited press near the entrance to the UN Security Council, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, said Monday that Iran had fired around 1,000 missiles over the past 24 hours, targeting Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem. He added that the latest barrage overnight killed 10 people, including five Ukrainians.
Danon displayed images of a building in Bat Yam, south of Tel Aviv, which was hit by an Iranian missile, noting that the strike destroyed parts of the building and killed seven civilians.
He claimed that Israel is trying to avoid civilian casualties in Tehran and elsewhere, stating:“We are only targeting the Iranian regime’s terror infrastructure.”
Danon accused Iran of starting a war aimed at destroying Israel’s existence, and stressed that Israeli military operations would continue until their goals are achieved—eliminating Iran’s military capabilities and neutralizing its nuclear program. He urged the international community to impose severe sanctions on Iran and to expedite efforts to dismantle its nuclear ambitions, warning that delay would only make the task harder.
Pressed on Civilian Deaths and TV Headquarters Bombing
When journalists questioned him about hundreds of Iranian civilian casualties, including the strike on Iran’s state TV headquarters, and whether such actions aligned with Israel’s stated aim to avoid civilian harm, Danon replied:“Let’s talk about intentions. We strive to avoid civilian deaths, while Iran deliberately targets populated areas with its missiles.”
He added:“In October 2024, Iran only targeted military bases. Now, they are going after cities and civilians. Yes, some casualties may occur in our operations, but we’re doing everything to minimize them.”
On the strike against Iranian state TV, which drew criticism from the UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson, Danon said:“We are attacking every institution that collaborates with and supports the terrorist regime.”
Blames Iran and Hezbollah for Escalation
When a reporter from Al-Quds Al-Arabi asked about Israel’s recent campaigns in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as strikes on Syria, Lebanon, and Yemeni ports, Danon deflected:“Ask who started this war. Who ignited Gaza? There was a ceasefire before October 7. Then look at Lebanon—Hezbollah attacked us on October 8. Iran wants to destroy Israel.”
When the reporter interjected, “Do you admit you started the war with Iran?”, Danon firmly replied:“Never. That’s a country seeking to eliminate us.”
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