The operation, announced by the U.S. military, targeted what officials described as immediate threats to American personnel and maritime security. The strikes occurred while senior Iranian negotiators, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other officials, were in Doha for talks with Qatari mediators seeking a framework agreement to halt hostilities.

The latest military action underscored the delicate balance between diplomacy and confrontation as Washington and Tehran attempt to negotiate an end to a conflict that has centered on Iran’s nuclear program and the closure of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement, the U.S. Central Command said the attacks were defensive measures intended to protect American forces from threats posed by Iranian military assets.

“U.S. Central Command continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire,” said Navy Captain Tim Hawkins, a military spokesperson.

Earlier in India, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington remained committed to diplomacy and believed a negotiated settlement remained achievable.

Rubio said discussions were focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and launching a structured, time-limited negotiation over Iran’s nuclear activities. He indicated the United States would continue to pursue diplomatic options before considering alternative measures.

President Donald Trump echoed that message in a social media post, describing negotiations as progressing positively while warning that further military action could follow if talks failed to produce results.

At the center of the negotiations is the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments typically pass. Since the conflict began in late February, commercial traffic through the waterway has fallen sharply as Iran imposed restrictions and security concerns mounted.

A source familiar with the Doha discussions said negotiators were focusing on two key issues: restoring unrestricted navigation through the strait and addressing Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Iranian financial officials were also participating in discussions involving the possible release of frozen Iranian assets as part of a broader settlement.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said detailed nuclear negotiations would only begin after a broader framework agreement had been reached.

Tehran maintains that its nuclear program is peaceful and has repeatedly denied seeking nuclear weapons. Washington, meanwhile, insists that preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon remains a central objective of any agreement.

In a separate development, Iranian state media reported that the country had used a newly deployed air-defense system to shoot down what officials described as a hostile stealth drone operating near the Arabian Gulf. Iranian authorities did not specify the drone’s origin.

Regional tensions were further heightened by developments in neighboring Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would intensify military operations against the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement despite a ceasefire agreement reached earlier this year. The Israeli military later reported strikes against Hezbollah infrastructure in the Bekaa Valley and other areas.

Diplomatic efforts have also become intertwined with broader regional initiatives. Trump used his latest public comments to urge additional Arab and Muslim-majority nations to join the Abraham Accords, the U.S.-brokered framework that normalized relations between Israel and several Arab countries during his first term.

The proposal drew skepticism from regional observers and diplomats, some of whom argued that negotiations over Iran and broader normalization efforts should remain separate tracks.

Analysts said the administration appeared to be attempting to frame a prospective Iran agreement as part of a larger regional security architecture that could benefit Israel, Gulf states and the United States simultaneously.

Despite ongoing military exchanges, markets reacted positively to signs that diplomacy was continuing. Oil prices fell more than 4 percent on Monday, reaching their lowest levels in two weeks amid expectations that a breakthrough could restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and ease pressure on global energy supplies.

Iranian officials said 32 commercial vessels and five oil tankers transited the strait during the previous 24 hours under authorization from Iran’s naval forces, a fraction of the volume typically seen before the conflict began.

Negotiators in Doha are expected to continue discussions in the coming days as both sides seek agreement on the terms of a ceasefire, maritime security arrangements and a framework for addressing longstanding disputes over Iran’s nuclear activities.

Speaking at the Tel Aviv Conference in Tel Aviv, Huckabee said Israel had assisted the UAE’s air defenses amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing uncertainty surrounding the fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel.

“Israel just sent them Iron Dome batteries and personnel to help operate them,” Huckabee said, praising the UAE as the first Gulf state to normalize relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords.
The UAE did not immediately comment on Huckabee’s remarks.

The disclosure underscores increasingly open military coordination between Israel and Gulf Arab states that share concerns over Iran’s regional influence and missile capabilities.

Regional tensions remain elevated despite the current ceasefire, with concerns continuing over security in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil shipping route long viewed as vulnerable to disruption during confrontations involving Tehran.

Huckabee also expressed optimism that additional Middle Eastern countries could join the Abraham Accords, which established formal diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab states, including Bahrain.

The accords, brokered in 2020, reshaped regional alignments by fostering economic, diplomatic and security ties between Israel and Arab governments concerned about Iran’s expanding influence.

However, broader normalization efforts across the Arab world have been complicated by Israel’s military operations following the Hamas-led attacks in 2023 and the continuing conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria.

Huckabee said Gulf governments increasingly viewed Iran, rather than Israel, as the more immediate regional security threat.

The announcement, made in the Oval Office, reflects the Kingdom’s growing global economic influence and its intention to strengthen long-term partnerships that support innovation, job creation and sustainable growth.

The crown prince emphasized that the investment increase builds on the already pledged $600 billion, highlighting the strong foundation on which both countries continue to expand their collaboration.

He described the new commitment as “real investment and real opportunity,” signaling a vision that aligns with Saudi Arabia’s pursuit of diversified global economic engagement under Vision 2030.

President Trump welcomed the announcement enthusiastically, praising the Kingdom as a “very important partner” and reaffirming the United States’ readiness to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors.

He further revealed that the US is prepared to sell F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, placing the Kingdom on par with other key American allies in defense partnerships and strategic military capabilities.

Trump stated that both Saudi Arabia and Israel should have access to top-tier security technology, emphasizing that continued collaboration strengthens regional stability and supports America’s broader goals in the Middle East.

The defense announcement marks a significant moment in bilateral relations, advancing mutual security interests and reinforcing trust between the two nations.

During the meeting, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also highlighted the central focus of his US visit: advancing large-scale investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure and emerging technologies.

He explained that the Kingdom views AI as a cornerstone of its Vision 2030 strategy, enabling economic diversification, technological leadership and future-ready industries that support global progress.

These AI initiatives include plans to accelerate innovation hubs, data centers, advanced robotics, cloud systems and next-generation digital ecosystems that align closely with American strengths in technology and research.

The crown prince stated that Saudi Arabia seeks long-term collaborations with US companies, universities and institutions to build powerful AI networks that benefit both countries and drive international competitiveness.

The meeting also covered regional issues, with the crown prince reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.

He reiterated Saudi Arabia’s readiness to establish relations with Israel once a clear and just roadmap toward a two-state solution is secured for the Palestinian people.

He noted that the Kingdom wants to be part of the Abraham Accords while ensuring fairness, coexistence and lasting peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.

Saudi Arabia’s position reflects its longstanding diplomatic principles and its efforts to contribute to a secure, prosperous region grounded in dialogue and shared understanding.

President Trump stated that a civilian nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia is “within reach,” adding that he had already reached a new defense agreement with the Kingdom that would further strengthen cooperation.

These developments underscore the trust and alignment between the two countries on energy security, sustainable development and forward-looking technological partnerships.

When asked how the visit would strengthen ties between Riyadh and Washington, the crown prince described the Saudi-US partnership as irreplaceable and fundamental to political, economic, security and military progress on both sides.

He reaffirmed that the opportunities ahead are vast and that cooperation will only deepen over the coming decades, marking what he called “a huge new chapter” for both nations.

The crown prince was greeted with full ceremonial honors upon his arrival at the White House earlier in the day, including a symbolic US fighter jet flyover that celebrated his presence and acknowledged the importance of the visit.

The warm reception signaled the United States’ commitment to elevating its partnership with Saudi Arabia as both countries look toward a future shaped by innovation, investment and shared strategic priorities.

Speaking to ILTV News this week, Rawan Osman, a prominent Syrian dissident and commentator, said she has consistently maintained her stance in Israeli media: “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again—Syria will be next to normalize ties with Israel, even before Lebanon.”

Osman, who has been vocal in her opposition to the previous Assad regime, explained her reasoning by citing the speed with which anti-Assad forces dismantled the stronghold of the Ba’athist regime. “I saw how swiftly the rebels and jihadists overthrew [former President Bashar] al-Assad. That shift is irreversible,” she stated.

When asked about the credibility of the current Syrian leadership, Osman did not mince words. She expressed skepticism toward Ahmed al-Sharaa, the transitional leader and former jihadist reportedly linked to Al-Qaeda. “I do not trust Ahmed al-Sharaa,” she said. “He was part of Al-Qaeda, and many of his closest allies come from jihadist backgrounds.”

However, Osman emphasized the realpolitik of the current scenario: “At the moment, they are the best we have.”

Her remarks come amid growing speculation that more Arab states, particularly those grappling with post-conflict reconstruction, may seek normalization with Israel as a path to regional integration and economic recovery.

While critics view such diplomatic overtures as premature given Syria’s fractured political landscape, others argue that normalization might offer a lifeline to a country battered by years of war, isolation, and economic ruin.

The Abraham Accords, originally signed in 2020 between Israel, the UAE, and Bahrain—and later joined by Morocco and Sudan—marked a seismic shift in regional diplomacy. Should Syria join, it would mark a historic turnabout from decades of hostility and enmity.

Despite deep-seated skepticism from the Syrian diaspora and within Israel’s security establishment, voices like Osman’s are gaining traction in policy circles exploring post-war Syrian rehabilitation.

With Syria’s future still uncertain and power centers in flux, the mere discussion of potential normalization reflects broader changes underway across the Middle East—where former enemies may soon find themselves on speaking terms in a rapidly evolving geopolitical arena.

In an interview with Fox News aired on Sunday, Trump outlined a potential shift in U.S. policy toward Iran, emphasizing that sanctions relief could enable Tehran to rebuild its economy, particularly in the aftermath of its conflict with Israel.

“If Iran behaves itself, I would consider waiving sanctions so they can sell oil and engage in normal economic activities,” Trump stated. He clarified, however, that any decision to ease restrictions would hinge on Iran proving it is not pursuing harmful actions.

“If they show they’re not going to do any more harm, I would take the sanctions off,” he added.

Trump’s remarks come amid mixed signals from his camp. On June 24, he announced on Truth Social that China could resume purchasing Iranian oil, suggesting a softening of sanctions.

The following day, he clarified that he was not seeking to cut off Iran’s oil revenues, citing the country’s need for funds to recover from its war with Israel. However, on Friday, Trump abruptly paused efforts to lift sanctions, citing inflammatory remarks from Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, whom he described as expressing “anger, hatred, and disgust.”

Addressing accusations that his administration had permitted China to buy sanctioned Iranian oil, Trump firmly denied the claims during the Sunday interview, insisting that sanctions remain in place. He emphasized that any future relief would be contingent on Iran’s willingness to adopt a peaceful stance.

Trump also linked the prospect of sanctions relief to broader Middle East peace efforts, particularly the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states. He described Iran as a historical obstacle to regional peace but suggested it could have joined the accords under different circumstances.

“Iran was the primary problem,” Trump said. “I thought there was a moment when they might have joined the Abraham Accords, but they’re worse off now.”

He hinted that new, unnamed countries have expressed interest in joining the accords following Iran’s recent setbacks, signaling potential momentum for expanded regional cooperation.

The comments reflect Trump’s broader approach to balancing economic pressure with diplomatic openings, a strategy that could reshape U.S.-Iran relations and influence Middle East dynamics if implemented.

Since the fall of the Assad regime, al-Sharaa has repeatedly stated that Syria does not wish to pose a threat to Israel.

In a potentially game-changing development for the Middle East, Johnnie Moore, a prominent Evangelical pastor and close ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump, has expressed optimism about the prospect of peace between Syria and Israel. Speaking to Reuters following a rare visit to Damascus, Moore stated, “Peace is very possible—perhaps even likely.”

Moore met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa (also known as Abu Mohammad al-Julani) alongside Rabbi Abraham Cooper of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, a Jewish human rights organization. The delegation, focused on interfaith dialogue and humanitarian cooperation, held talks inside the Syrian presidential palace.

While the topic of Israel was not on the official agenda, Moore revealed that the possibility of peace between the two long-time adversaries came up during discussions. “The top priority,” Moore emphasized, “is that Syria focuses on Syria.” However, he noted that President al-Sharaa also acknowledged the “potential for a very positive future.”

Moore currently chairs the Global Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which oversees aid distribution in Gaza, and also heads the Public Commission at the University of Haifa’s Religion Research Lab. He previously served as a commissioner on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.

A Quiet Shift in the Region?

According to the Reuters report, no official response has yet come from President al-Sharaa’s office. However, the tone of the visit suggests a subtle shift in Syria’s regional outlook.

Rabbi Cooper, who has previously visited Gulf states like Bahrain and the UAE before they normalized relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords, described the visit to Damascus as “a walk in the open.” He even noted that he moved freely through the streets of the Syrian capital wearing a Jewish skullcap (kippah)—a striking contrast to his experience in Saudi Arabia last year, where he was asked to remove it by an official, prompting the early end of a U.S. congressional delegation’s visit.

Cooper and Moore, both long-time advocates of Arab-Jewish interfaith dialogue, said they believe President al-Sharaa is capable of advancing peace. Moore described him as a “unicorn” in Middle Eastern politics—a rare figure who could potentially alter the course of regional dynamics.

“There’s a real window of opportunity here,” Cooper said, while cautioning, “but that doesn’t reduce the size of the task ahead.”

The duo reportedly suggested launching grassroots humanitarian initiatives to “break stereotypes and create an informal corps of goodwill ambassadors,” though they declined to elaborate on specifics.

They also met with members of Syria’s Christian community during their visit, further emphasizing the mission’s interfaith character.

Secret Syria-Israel Channel?

The backdrop to this visit is a recent report claiming that the United Arab Emirates helped establish a secret communication channel between Syria and Israel at President al-Sharaa’s request. These backchannel talks reportedly focus on intelligence-sharing and security cooperation, with the broader aim of trust-building.

According to sources cited by Reuters, Damascus sees Abu Dhabi’s Abraham Accords with Israel as a potential framework for resolving long-standing issues—particularly since Syria and Israel currently lack direct diplomatic ties.

Since the fall of the Assad regime, al-Sharaa has repeatedly stated that Syria does not wish to pose a threat to Israel. In fact, his administration has taken the unprecedented step of detaining senior Islamic Jihad figures believed to be linked to the October 7 massacre.

A letter sent last month by Syria’s Foreign Ministry to the U.S. State Department, obtained by Reuters, declared: “We will not allow Syria to become a source of threat to any country—including Israel.”

However, not all observers are convinced. Senior Israeli officials remain wary, accusing al-Sharaa of deceiving the international community. “Behind the suit and diplomatic gestures lies a dangerous vision for an Islamist regime just as threatening as the previous one,” one Israeli intelligence source warned.

Trump’s Quiet Diplomacy?

The report also noted that President Trump held a private meeting with al-Sharaa last month, though details remain undisclosed. This adds weight to the growing speculation that informal diplomacy—possibly brokered by Trump allies—could be laying the groundwork for a future peace accord between Syria and Israel.

For now, the road remains uncertain, but voices like Moore and Cooper suggest that, amid the ruins of conflict and mistrust, a new horizon may be emerging—one where Syria and Israel could chart a path toward reconciliation.

The message, posted on their official X (formerly Twitter) account, read: “We wish our fellow citizens and neighbors celebrating the Eid al-Adha that their prayers and acts of sharing be accepted and make the world a better place for us all. The Alliance of Rabbis in Islamic States”.

The tweet concluded with #EidMubarak and the organization’s signature in both English and Arabic.

ARIS, which represents Jewish communities across Muslim-majority countries, has gained recognition for promoting peaceful coexistence, religious freedom, and mutual respect. The alliance’s mission, as outlined on its official website, includes supporting Jewish life within Islamic states, enabling religious practice, and building interfaith bridges—especially through dialogue inspired by the Abraham Accords.

Operating across Asia, Africa, and Europe, ARIS aims to empower local Jewish communities through kosher food accessibility, Jewish education, and spiritual leadership. The alliance has also launched initiatives to engage with local governments, support Jewish visitors in Muslim countries, and facilitate interfaith discussions with Islamic clerics and scholars.

Part of its long-term vision includes an annual summit hosted in a Muslim country, featuring interreligious dialogue, training, and strategic networking. The group also actively promotes its work through multilingual online content in Arabic, Hebrew, Farsi, and English, positioning itself as a leading voice for Jewish affairs within Muslim societies.

This latest gesture during one of Islam’s holiest festivals reinforces ARIS’s dedication to fostering trust and shared values between Jewish and Muslim communities—a rare yet vital alliance in an increasingly polarized world.

The Agreement on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters aims to streamline cross-border trade, enhance transparency, and ensure efficient customs procedures between the two nations. This step is expected to further solidify the economic bridge that has been rapidly taking shape since the normalization of ties under the historic Abraham Accords.

Ambassador Yossi Shelley, Israel’s top envoy to the UAE, welcomed the development, stating:

“Another significant economic agreement between the United Arab Emirates and the State of Israel has been ratified by both countries. The Agreement on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters will further strengthen the economic ties between our countries and will promote the continued growth and collaboration.”

This customs agreement follows a series of other bilateral initiatives in trade, technology, tourism, and innovation. Analysts say such moves are not only symbolic but pave the way for smoother business transactions and stronger investor confidence.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2020, UAE-Israel trade has surged into the billions, and both nations appear committed to keeping that momentum alive.

Sheikh Abdullah, who also serves as the UAE’s deputy prime minister, underscored the importance of halting hostilities, securing the release of hostages, and preventing further escalation in the Middle East. The meeting, attended by UAE Assistant Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri and UAE Ambassador to Israel Mohamed Mahmoud Al Khaja, marked a rare diplomatic engagement between the two nations since the Gaza war began in October 2023.

The UAE and Israel normalized relations in 2020 under the US-brokered Abraham Accords, but bilateral interactions have been limited amid the ongoing conflict sparked by Hamas-led attacks on Israel. Saar noted on X that this was his second meeting with Sheikh Abdullah, signaling a cautious resumption of dialogue.

During the talks, Sheikh Abdullah called for a “serious political horizon” to restart negotiations for a two-state solution, reaffirming the UAE’s longstanding support for the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination. He also stressed the need to curb extremism, tensions, and violence across the region, the ministry statement said.

The meeting coincided with Israel’s intensified military operations in Gaza, which resumed last month after the collapse of a US-mediated truce. The Hamas-run health ministry reports that over 1,330 Palestinians have been killed since the offensive restarted, bringing the total death toll since October 2023 to 50,695 — numbers cannot be independently verified. The war erupted when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and abducting 251 hostages, of whom 59 remain in Gaza—24 believed to be alive.

Sheikh Abdullah’s push for peace reflects growing regional concern over Gaza’s humanitarian toll, with the UAE positioning itself as a mediator advocating for stability and Palestinian rights amid a conflict showing no signs of abating.

We are ancient nations, young and proud… We are peaceful nations… but we are not going to hesitate from gaining what we need through solidarity

On Saturday, Chitresh Kapoor and India’s Geopolitical Analyst Vaibhav Singh hosted Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, on the podcast Defensive Offense.

Since assuming his role in August 2024, Ambassador Azar has been a key figure in fostering the growing partnership between two of the world’s oldest civilizations—India’s Sanatan Dharma and the Jewish people.

Their dialogue explored the historical and strategic ties between the nations, the evolving threats posed by radical forces like Hamas and Iran, and the potential for deeper collaboration in the decades ahead.

A Shared Civilizational Resilience

The conversation began with a reflection on the deep historical connection between India and Israel, which Ambassador Azar described as a “civilizational connect.” Both nations, he noted, have endured invasions and foreign domination over millennia, yet preserved their cultural identities through resilience and memory.

“Unlike many old civilizations that vanished under the pressure of invasions, we stayed, we prevailed,” Azar remarked, attributing this survival to cultural perseverance rather than continuous sovereignty. For the Jewish people, landless for nearly 2,000 years, this meant developing “techniques of memory,” a theme he promised to elaborate on later but left tantalizingly unexplored in the podcast.

Official diplomatic relations between India and Israel began in 1992, yet their partnership predates this milestone. Azar highlighted how the relationship started “quietly and almost clandestinely,” rooted in mutual security challenges.

“We could help each other,” he said, emphasizing that trust, forged through defense cooperation, became the bedrock of their strategic alliance. This trust has since expanded into agriculture, water management, and high-tech sectors, with India boldly adopting Israeli technologies under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

One standout example is the agricultural partnership. Indian companies, such as Jain Irrigation’s acquisition of Israeli firm NaanDanJain, have collaborated with Israel to establish 32 Centers of Excellence across India. These centers provide subsidized seedlings, enhancing crop yields and food security—a testament to how Israeli innovation complements India’s scale.

Azar also pointed to emerging areas like water management, critical given India’s resource challenges, and the potential for joint research and development (R&D) in infrastructure and technology.

Geopolitical Shifts: Trump, Trade, and Trilateral Ties

The discussion took a timely turn toward global economic shifts, particularly with the recent U.S. administration change under President Donald Trump. Azar noted that both India and Israel have navigated relations with the Trump administration effectively, despite new trade tariffs announced just days before the podcast.

With India facing a 17% tariff and Israel 26%—compared to 54% for China and around 50% for Cambodia and Vietnam—both nations stand to gain as production shifts away from heavily taxed countries. “Textiles, the most flexible industry, could move to India within days,” Azar predicted, foreseeing a boost to India’s economy even before a potential U.S.-India trade deal.

This economic realignment underscores a trilateral dynamic among India, Israel, and the U.S. “Our relationship is not only bilateral but bears strategic significance trilaterally,” Azar said, urging a pragmatic rather than confrontational approach to such shifts.

For India, rising as a global economic power, and Israel, a technological innovator, this partnership could reshape supply chains and regional influence.

The Middle East: Hamas, Iran, and a New Alignment

The podcast pivoted to the Middle East, where Israel faces persistent threats from radical groups like Hamas and state actors like Iran.

Singh referenced former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir’s poignant statement: “We can forgive them for killing our children, but we cannot forgive them for forcing us to kill theirs.” He asked whether, decades later, anti-Semitism and hatred toward Israel have diminished.

Azar’s response was sobering: the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, with its brutal atrocities, marked the worst violence against Jews since the Holocaust. Yet, he argued, the nature of the conflict has evolved.

Historically, Israel battled pan-Arab nationalism, a secular movement that sought to eliminate the Jewish state as a colonial outpost—a narrative Azar dismissed, asserting, “Jews belong to Judea.” After five wars, this ideology waned, with Egypt’s peace treaty under Anwar Sadat marking a turning point. However, Sadat’s 1981 assassination by Islamists (Khalid Islamboli) signaled the rise of a new threat: pan-Islamic radicalism. Azar traced this shift through the Arab Spring of 2010, which, despite initial hopes for democracy, empowered radical forces like Iran and its proxies.

Today, he explained, the Middle East hosts two deeper conflicts: the Shiite-Sunni divide and the struggle between radicals and pragmatists.

Israel, he argued, is a “token” exploited by radicals to destabilize the region, with Iran’s ultimate aim not Jerusalem but Mecca and Medina. Within this context, Hamas’s attack and Israel’s retaliation did not unravel ties with Arab states, unlike past conflicts. “No Arab country has disconnected diplomatic relations,” Azar noted, citing the Abraham Accords and joint defense efforts against Iran’s April 2024 ballistic missile barrage as evidence of a new alignment.

Singh pressed further, asking why Saudi Arabia is often implicated in Israel-related conflicts. Azar pointed to the Shiite-Sunni rift, with Iran leveraging propaganda to undermine Saudi pragmatism.

He recalled the 2015 JCPOA nuclear deal, which both Israel and Saudi Arabia opposed, as a moment of crystallized common interest. While hesitant to predict Saudi recognition of Israel, he suggested it hinges on mutual benefit and timing. He said it while quoting King Solomon—“Everything has a time under the sun”—there is time for war and time for peace.

Aspirations for Indo-Israel Ties: Beyond Defense

Returning to bilateral ties, Kapoor asked about the future as the 30-year-old relationship approaches its 50th anniversary in 2042. Beyond defense—where Israel supplies equipment like drones and missile systems—Azar envisioned a partnership transcending trade.

“Our relationship is much more than transactions,” he said, rooted in shared heritage, trust, and India’s steadfast support during Israel’s recent war. This solidarity has spurred Israeli interest, with monthly ministerial visits and university collaborations on R&D.

Tourism emerged as another frontier. Kapoor noted that Israelis frequent Goa, Hampi, Manali, and Ladakh while Indian tourists to Israel, mainly from Kerala, visit for religious reasons. 

Azar highlighted Israel’s high GDP per capita ($55,000) and travel habits—20 million tourism packages annually for a 10-million-strong population—suggesting untapped potential as India’s per capita income rises. By 2050, with India projected at $10,000 per capita, he foresaw “hundreds of millions” of Indian travelers exploring the world, including Israel.

Kapoor proposed defense exchange programs for veterans, given both nations’ conflict histories. Azar welcomed the idea, noting Israel’s view of India as a safe haven and the potential for educational and cultural exchanges to deepen people-to-people ties.

Radicalism and Propaganda: A Global Challenge

The conversation darkened as Singh raised Iran’s role in terrorism, from historical invasions of India to modern proxy wars.

Azar praised Israel’s contributions—drip irrigation, desalination, and tech innovation—contrasting them with Iran’s export of ballistic missiles and drones to groups like the Houthis and Hezbollah. He warned of Iran’s infiltration of Western institutions, using media and academia to portray itself as a victim while perpetrating terrorism.

Singh echoed this, citing the Muslim Brotherhood’s growing influence in India via scholars trained abroad. Azar cautioned vigilance, citing the UAE’s successful deradicalization of its education system as a model. He acknowledged Israel’s own Muslim Brotherhood party, noting its varied nature, but stressed the broader threat of radicals exploiting democratic freedoms.

Netanyahu’s Popularity and Leadership

Singh concluded by noting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s unrivaled popularity in India, evident in record-breaking TV ratings during his visits. Azar attributed this to shared national pride and leadership.

“We are ancient nations, young and proud… We are peaceful nations… but we are not going to hesitate from gaining what we need through solidarity”, he said, likening Netanyahu and Modi as proactive leaders who defy apology.

The Abraham Accords, he argued, stemmed from Netanyahu’s strategy of strength—economic, military, and diplomatic—shifting regional dynamics.

Addressing the Gaza conflict, Singh questioned the high civilian toll reported after October 7. Azar defended Israel’s actions, arguing Hamas’s tactics—operating from hospitals and disguising terrorists as civilians—forced a tragic response. He challenged inflated casualty figures, suggesting half were terrorists, and compared Israel’s urban warfare record favorably to historical precedents, despite biased narratives from outlets like Al Jazeera and the UN.

A Partnership for the Future

The podcast underscored a relationship built on trust, resilience, and mutual interest, poised to grow as both nations rise. From countering radicalism to fostering innovation and tourism, India and Israel share a vision that transcends geopolitics—a civilizational bond ready to shape the 21st century.