Even though Israel is now engaged in what authorities there call a “seven-front war,” which includes regional power Iran, Regev said “the last few weeks show Israel is standing strong and fighting back successfully” against Hezbollah in Lebanon, where it killed leader Hassan Nasrallah in an airstrike, as well as against Iran’s proxies in Yemen, Syria and Iraq.
But the Israeli envoy was more concerned about Israel’s standing in what he called the “legitimacy war” his country was fighting to retain support on the global stage.
“In the last months we see that there is a huge erosion in understanding [for Israel’s position]. There is erosion in support. Some member states try to bring their own position onto the EU stage, for several reasons, it doesn’t matter,” he added. “I don’t think Israel is isolated.”
Over the weekend, thousands of people attended demonstrations in Europe and around the world. Some gathered in solidarity with Israel, calling for the release of the remaining hostages, but many more turned out to protest against its military operations.
“I’ve seen demonstrations here, in Brussels and Amsterdam … This worries me much more than what is happening on the ground. We are going to prevail and win,” he added. “But there is a lack of moral clarity: Many people are not understanding this is a war of democracy against radical and extreme forces … This is the battle.”
Asked about outrage over the death toll in Gaza and Lebanon, which now reaches into the tens of thousands, Regev said: “It’s complicated to explain the numbers. When we entered Gaza and Lebanon we faced the same method: They use almost every single civilian infrastructure. We are not fighting against armies. We are fighting against terror groups that are using the local infrastructure, mosques and hospitals.”
