Israeli Deputy FM: US strikes on Iran dealt ‘major setback’ to nuclear program

“Israel stands at the front line, but we do not stand alone,” Haskel said. ‏”We are proud to defend not only our people, but the principles of liberty, life and truth.”

By Etgar Lefkovits, JNS

The American airstrikes in Iran earlier this month were a “historic and unprecedented demonstration of solidarity and strategic resolve” with the Jewish state that inflicted a “major setback” on the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program, Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel said on Sunday.

The remarks at a gathering of European lawmakers in Romania reinforced the Israeli assessment of the extent of the damage caused by the June 22 attack.

“The United States—under the leadership of President Trump—took the unprecedented step of targeting the deeply buried enrichment site at Fordow,” she told the European legislators. “This marked a historic demonstration of solidarity and strategic resolve.

“Iran’s nuclear program has suffered a major setback” during the 12-day war, she said. “Its missile-production capabilities have been severely degraded. ‏And the leadership infrastructure supporting these threats has been heavily damaged.”

The annual European Policy Summit at the Romanian Parliament in Bucharest brought together lawmakers from across the continent under the aegis of the Israel Allies Foundation, which spearheads faith-based diplomacy around the globe.

“Israel stands at the front line, but we do not stand alone,” Haskel said. ‏”We are proud to defend not only our people, but the principles of liberty, life and truth.”

Romanian Parliament member Robert Sighiartău said, “As a politician, a Christian and a friend of the Jewish people, I believe it is our moral duty to stand with Israel in times of peace, and especially, in times of trial.”

Leo van Doesburg, Europe director of the Israel Allies Foundation, added, “It is symbolic that we are gathered in the Romanian Parliament’s Human Rights Room to reflect on the true meaning of human rights, especially as we witness international institutions, organizations and media misusing these principles to politically and legally target Israel.”

“In the midst of war, Israel is facing a renewed wave of legal and diplomatic attacks designed to undermine its legitimacy,” said Josh Reinstein, president of the Israel Allies Foundation.

“At this critical time—with faith-based diplomacy more important than ever—we are building a united front of European leaders who are prepared to stand up for truth, justice and the right of Israel to defend itself,” he said.