Israel’s ambassador to Serbia, Avivit Bar-Ilan, on Sunday expressed gratitude to former U.S. President Donald Trump for ordering airstrikes that targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, calling the move a bold act of defense against an existential threat.
“What happened last night was the result of close coordination between the Israeli military and our American allies,” Bar-Ilan told Serbia’s state news agency Tanjug. “The Israeli people are grateful for President Trump’s historic and courageous decision to defend Israel from a serious existential threat.”
Bar-Ilan said it was the third time Iran had attacked Israel, citing previous incidents in October last year and in April.
“We have excellent intelligence services that enabled a very successful military campaign so far, targeting various sites of Iran’s nuclear program,” she said. “While we are still awaiting detailed assessments from both our military and American counterparts, this was undoubtedly an important step.”
She added that in retaliation, Israel came under heavy attack early Sunday, with 40 missiles launched from Iran, some carrying multiple warheads. “The strikes caused significant damage in three cities, including Tel Aviv,” Bar-Ilan said.
The ambassador stressed that Israel was acting in line with the laws of war and targeting only military installations. “Israel does not strike civilian areas—that is not our goal. Our objective is to hit missile infrastructure in Iran while minimizing collateral damage,” she said, accusing Iran of deliberately targeting civilian populations in Israel.
Bar-Ilan said more than 50 missiles had landed in densely populated areas, killing 25 civilians and injuring over 1,000. Entire neighborhoods have been destroyed, she added.
“The people of Israel are following instructions and staying in shelters. These missiles do not distinguish between Jews, Muslims, or other minorities living in Israel,” she said.
Bar-Ilan argued that Israel had no choice but to respond to what she described as a growing nuclear threat, claiming Iran had recently stockpiled enough enriched uranium to build nine atomic bombs.
“After all diplomatic efforts failed, there were no remaining options. The regime in Tehran openly calls for Israel’s destruction. It was clear we had to act before it was too late,” she said.
Asked about the conditions for a ceasefire or talks with Iran, Bar-Ilan said it was time to seek peace and ensure that Iran is permanently barred from developing nuclear weapons.
She described Israeli-Serbian relations as excellent.