Agence France-Presse
January 26, 2023

Israel Urges NATO To Confront Iran Threat

Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Thursday urged the NATO military alliance to toughen its approach to Iran, as Tehran supplies drones to Russia for its war on Ukraine.

“The crisis there goes beyond the boundaries of Ukraine, with the Iranian threat now at Europe’s doorstep,” Herzog said on a visit to NATO headquarters in Brussels.

“The illusion of distance can no longer hold. NATO must take the strongest possible stance against the Iranian regime including through economic, legal and political sanctions and credible military deterrence.”

The figurehead leader became on Thursday the first Israeli president to brief NATO’s main decision-making body.

Members of the Western alliance have pressed Israel to take a firmer stance against Russia over the war in Ukraine.

But Israel has refused to arm Kyiv as it is afraid of angering Moscow, which plays a key role in its neighbour Syria.

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Anadolu Agency
January 26, 2023

NATO chief, Israeli president discuss cooperation, support for Ukraine

The NATO secretary-general on Thursday said he discussed cooperation and support for Ukraine with Israel’s president in Brussels.

“Historic visit by Israel’s President Isaac Herzog, for the first time addressing NATO Allies,” Jens Stoltenberg said on Twitter. “We discussed our close cooperation and support for Ukraine.”

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During their brief remarks to the press, both voiced willingness to strengthen ties between Israel and the 30-member military alliance.

Earlier, Herzog attended a plenary session on International Holocaust Remembrance Day at the European Parliament.