Israeli Ambassador raises the alarm over Iran’s influence in destabilising West Africa
The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Freeman Micheal, has raised concerns about Iran’s influence in destabilising not only Israel but also parts of Western Africa, including Nigeria.
Ambassador Micheal made this disclosure on Tuesday in Abuja during the screening of the award-winning documentary, “We Will Dance Again,” directed by Yariv Mozer.
The event commemorated the one-year anniversary of the tragic October 7 massacre at the Nova Festival in Israel, honouring lives lost and celebrating the resilience of survivors.
Reflecting on the impact of the Nova Festival tragedy, he described it as “a brutal assault on our sense of safety and humanity.”
He noted the brutality inflicted by Hamas militants, who burst across the Gaza border, committing murder, rape, torture, and other atrocities against over 1,200 Israelis and citizens of other nations.
Ambassador Micheal detailed the broader implications of the conflict, which has expanded into a “war on seven fronts,” involving multiple militant groups supported by Iran. He condemned Iran’s role in global destabilization, claiming that Iranian leaders are also working to destabilize Western Africa, including Nigeria.
“Let us be clear: Iran’s leaders are also working to destabilize Western Africa, including here in Nigeria. The war in Lebanon will only end with the full implementation of UN Resolution 1701, with Hezbollah unable to rearm once pushed back beyond the Netanyahu River and the Lebanese army in control of the south of Lebanon,” he stated.
He emphasized the need for Israel’s self-defense, saying, “To those that call for an arms embargo on Israel, what message are you sending? That you are on the side of the murderers and butchers of Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and their Iranian sponsors.”
Freeman described the October 7 attack as one of Israel’s “darkest and most horrific days in its modern history,” noting the devastating impact on families and the trauma that survivors continue to endure.
He honored the lives lost and highlighted Israel’s resilience, stating, “Our history is filled with moments of hardship, but time and time again we have stood together in the face of adversity. We have mourned, but we have also rebuilt, and we will continue to stand strong with our friends and our partners.”
“They kidnapped 251 others, stealing them away to the terror dungeons of Gaza, where still today 101 innocents are being held, including children, women, and the elderly.”
He expressed gratitude to the international community, particularly to the United States, for its support during Israel’s “darkest hour.”
