Israeli Ambassador: "Lessons from North Korea's Nuclear Issue... No Tolerance for Iran's Nuclear Development" [U.S.-Iran War]

Press Conference by Israeli Ambassador to South Korea on the 5th

Rafael Harpaz, the Israeli Ambassador to South Korea, commented on the background of the U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, stating, "We gave Iran opportunities to resolve the nuclear development issue peacefully, but this only served to buy Iran more time for its nuclear program." He added, "We launched this operation to prevent Iran from making the same mistakes as North Korea, learning lessons from the North Korean nuclear issue."

Ambassador Raphael Harpaz held a press conference on the morning of the 5th at the Gwanghwamun HJ Business Center in Jongno-gu, Seoul, answering questions from the press. Photo by Seongah Sim

On the morning of the 5th, at a press conference held at the HJ Business Center in Gwanghwamun, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Ambassador Harpaz said, "We are in the current situation because North Korea did not stop its nuclear development in the 1990s." He continued, "North Korea and Iran have maintained a very close relationship," and added, "South Korea understands well the threat posed when a hostile entity possesses nuclear weapons."

However, he did not answer the question of whether South Korea should have struck North Korea as Israel did.

On this day, Ambassador Harpaz clarified the objectives of the U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran. He cited the following goals for the operation: ▲ preventing Iran's nuclear development ▲ stopping its ballistic missile development ▲ and promoting freedom for the Iranian people.

He stated, "Since the strike on Iran's nuclear facilities in June last year, Iran has concealed its ballistic missiles deep underground," and explained, "This operation was carried out to prevent an irreversible situation from occurring again."

He further explained the reason for the airstrikes, saying, "Another objective is to prevent the repetition of the tragedy in which about 30,000 innocent citizens were killed under the Iranian government," and "We hope the Iranian people can enjoy freedom, like those in South Korea, the United States, or Israel."

He said, "Iran has deceived the international community about the progress of its nuclear development," and added, "I understand that in 2007, North Korea, Syria, and Iran actively cooperated on nuclear development." He went on to say, "Enriching uranium to 60% clearly indicates a purpose for weaponization, not for civilian use," and asserted, "If Iran were to acquire nuclear weapons, it would have no hesitation in using them."

Ambassador Harpaz described the current situation in Israel, saying, "Air raid sirens have sounded more than 23,000 times," and "There have been so many attacks that people have had to move between shelters and their homes about 24 times just during the night."

He also emphasized, "As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, this is not an 'endless operation,'" and noted, "Now that several countries in the Middle East have been attacked, Iran has become isolated in the Arab region." He added, "Just as the United States has given many opportunities, if Iran agrees to negotiations, the operation could be concluded."

Regarding allegations that the U.S. and Israel bombed civilian facilities such as elementary schools in Iran, Ambassador Harpaz replied, "We are currently verifying these claims," and explained, "We have never intentionally targeted civilian facilities."

In conclusion, Ambassador Harpaz stated, "As we have done so far, Korean nationals in Israel are being protected just like Israeli citizens," and added, "About 10% of the 600 Korean residents wish to leave Israel, and we will provide extensive support for their departure."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.