Israeli Ambassador to Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, Roey Gilad, has spoken candidly about the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, emphasizing that Iran-backed proxy forces have suffered significant setbacks in their efforts against Israel.
Speaking on Happy FM’s “Epa Hoa Daben” with host Bismark Brown, Ambassador Gilad stated that while the conflict is far from over, Israel has made more strategic gains than originally expected.
“Hamas is on the defensive. We haven’t finished the job, but Hamas is clearly weakened. Even Hezbollah — which we considered the most dangerous — has been brought down significantly,” he said.
He noted that Israel has been effective in striking Iran’s network of proxy militant groups across the region. According to Gilad, Syria has lost its previous footing as a key Iranian ally, while Iraqi militias appear reluctant to engage more deeply.
The Ambassador acknowledged that the Houthi rebels in Yemen continue to pose a challenge, but expressed confidence in Israel’s ability to counter them.
“This is a challenge we can deal with,” he affirmed.
Reflecting on the wider conflict, Gilad highlighted how Israel has been forced to defend itself on multiple volatile fronts.
“It started in Gaza on October 7, then Hezbollah joined, followed by threats from Syria, Iraqi militias, and the Houthis. These are proxy terrorist organizations backed by Iran,” he explained.
“We don’t choose our enemies. We don’t control the timetable. The idea was really to bring down Israel.”
