Israeli Ambassador to Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, Roey Gilad, has raised concern about the exploitation of Islamic teachings by extremist groups to fuel anti-Israel sentiment and political agendas.
In an interview on Happy FM’s popular political talk show, Epa Hoa Daben with Bismark Brown, Ambassador Gilad said while he holds deep respect for the Islamic faith, radical elements are misinterpreting religious texts to justify hatred and violence.
“I’ve studied Islam, and I have a lot of sympathy and admiration for it. But there are some radical groups within the Islamic belief who lean on old texts that are anti-Jewish — texts that go back to the time of the Prophet,” he explained.
He was, however, quick to draw a clear line between extremist ideologies and mainstream Muslim communities.
“I think the majority of Muslim people do not follow this line of extremism or radicalism. But there are some radical Islamic groups that are still calling for violence, or still holding on to those extreme views,” he added.
Ambassador Gilad emphasized that the motivation of these radical groups go beyond religion. He pointed specifically to Iran, accusing the state of blending religious fervor with geopolitical ambition.
“They look at Israel and say, ‘Israel is too strong; we need to be the strongest player in the Middle East.’ So in the case of Iran, I think it’s a combination of religious agenda and a political wish,” he stated.
His remarks come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and growing international focus on religious extremism and regional power struggles. The Ambassador reiterated the importance of distinguishing between peaceful religious communities and groups that weaponize faith to pursue violent political ends.
