Israel’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has made a significant assertion regarding Iran's involvement in global terrorism and its impact on regional political stability. He suggested that achieving peace in the Middle East and parts of Africa may remain elusive unless there is a transformation in Iran’s political leadership.
Freeman made these remarks during a special event in Abuja for the screening of the documentary *We Will Dance Again*, directed by Yariv Mozer, which marked the first anniversary of the October 7 attack. Addressing the audience, Freeman remarked, “The root of this war and the ongoing instability is Iran.”
He further elaborated, “Iran actively supports and funds militant organizations such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, thereby fueling chaos and conflict across the Middle East. This strategy involves substantial financial resources, specialized technical skills, and advanced weaponry, all aimed at destabilizing the region.” Freeman noted that Iran’s influence is now stretching into Africa, with observable efforts to disrupt the stability of West Africa, including actions specifically impacting Nigeria.
Freeman went on to describe the current Iranian regime, led by its radical leaders, as one that fosters “terror, destruction, and suffering” not only for people in distant countries but also for millions of Iranians under its governance.
In light of these concerns, Freeman urged the international community to take decisive action. He stated, “The sooner the world addresses the challenges posed by Iran’s leadership and initiates the necessary changes, the sooner we can move toward global peace.”
Highlighting the broader threat posed by terrorism, Freeman called for a unified global response. He remarked, “The terrorism Israel faces doesn’t end within its borders.”
Freeman added that similar radical terrorist activities have been observed in Nigeria, drawing parallels between the challenges faced by Israel and Nigeria. He emphasized that terrorism recognizes no borders and that nations must unite, pooling their knowledge and resources, to confront this shared threat effectively.
He also offered Israel’s support, assuring, “Israel stands ready to assist any country committed to defeating terrorism.”
Freeman underscored the importance of understanding terrorism’s true nature, stating, “Nigeria has been targeted by extremist terrorism, and we must join hands with all nations engaged in this fight to create a safer world.”
Reflecting on past tragic events, Freeman highlighted the importance of preventing similar attacks in the future. He referenced the October 7 attack, saying, “It’s essential to remember that this incident involved just one location,” while noting that other stories from villages and communities also reveal devastating losses, with 900 people killed, including children who faced horrific violence, some of whom were burned alive.
In his address, Freeman also pointed to Hamas’s ideology as a significant obstacle to peace. He stated, “Hamas remains committed to Israel’s destruction and calls for the death of all Jews, which means peace in the Middle East is unattainable as long as Hamas retains power.”
Reflecting on Israel’s 2005 withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, Freeman explained that this decision was intended to foster peace. “We removed all Israeli soldiers, civilians, and settlements, and we left behind infrastructure and opportunities for the Palestinians to prosper. Yet, since Hamas seized control in 2007, the group has imposed a brutal regime, diverting international aid toward terrorism, constructing tunnels, and stockpiling weapons, all while impoverishing its people.”
Freeman expressed sorrow for the loss of innocent lives on both sides, stating, “The loss of innocent lives, whether Israeli or Palestinian, is a tragedy that we must address. However, we must also confront the underlying causes of these losses if we are to prevent future tragedies and work toward lasting peace.”