Israel's Ambassador to Ghana, Roey Gilad, has defended his nation's military actions in the Middle East as self-defense, pushing back against global criticism.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, June 16, Ambassador Gilad dismissed claims of Israeli aggression.

He instead blamed Iran for the regional escalation, calling the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel "an Iranian attack."

"What happened on the 7th of October 2023 was an Iranian attack against Israel," Gilad stated.

He cited Iran's use of proxies like Hezbollah, Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and Houthi rebels in stirring violence on Israeli land
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He emphasised that Iran's proxy network fuels volatility around Israel, adding that "only the Houthis are still standing on their feet, they will be brought down as well."

"We are being criticised, but again, I think it’s better to be criticised and hopefully give good answers than being erased from the face of the Earth," Gilad said.

AS/VPO