Yaakov Finkelstein told the Onet news website that the week-old campaign was targeting “nuclear facilities, ballistic capabilities and military leadership” rather than seeking regime change.
“If Iran becomes sincere and ceases to be an existential threat, that is another story,” he said.
Iran’s leaders 'lie on many issues'
Finkelstein accused Iran of enriching enough uranium for nine bombs and planning to build 120 missiles a month, while supplying drones and rockets to Russia for use against Ukraine.
He dismissed diplomacy as a stalling tactic, saying Iran had “refused talks” once Israeli strikes began.
US President Donald Trump was briefed in advance, according to Finkelstein.
The envoy rejected casualty figures issued by Tehran – which says more than 200 civilians have been killed – and insisted Israel warns residents in Farsi before bombing.
Iran’s leaders, he said, “lie on many issues”.
'Israel does not target civilians'
Finkelstein denied Israel is blocking humanitarian convoys in Gaza, blaming delays on Hamas and “technical checks” at crossings.
Reports that Israeli troops shoot people queuing for food were “Hamas disinformation,” he said.
“Israel does not target civilians; we fire only when soldiers feel threatened,” he added.
'Tragic incident'
Finkelstein apologized for the April 2024 killing of Polish aid worker Damian Soból in Gaza, calling it a "tragic incident."
He said Israeli and Polish authorities are cooperating and that anyone found at fault will face consequences.
Asked about compensation for the families of the victims, he responded that compensation talks are "a matter for governments."
(jh/gs)
Source: onet.pl