Israel's U.N. Ambassador Defends Strikes, Warns Iran-Backed Militias

Danny Don, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, told a press briefing that Hezbollah and other Iran-backed forces launched missiles and drones toward Israel and that Israel has responded with "precise strikes" on military targets, command centers, weapons storage sites and senior operatives.

"Rockets pointed at Israeli homes will not remain there," Don said, adding: "We will find you. We will hunt you down and we will eliminate you." He said the objective is to leave "no nuclear weapon, no missile threat, no terror infrastructure left standing." Don said more than a year has passed since the U.N. Security Council reaffirmed Resolution 1701 and accused Hezbollah of rearming and deploying south of the Litani River in violation of that resolution.

Don addressed allegations from Iran's representative, saying claims that Iran's nuclear program is exclusively peaceful are inconsistent with actions he described: suspended IAEA monitoring, enrichment to levels beyond civilian energy needs and construction of underground facilities. "Peaceful programs do not hide," he said, questioning why monitoring was suspended and why enrichment and missile programs appear linked.

He expressed regret for civilian deaths but drew a distinction between, as he put it, "regimes" that strike neighborhoods and Israel's efforts to target military sites. Don listed recent targeted strikes and said Israeli forces have degraded missile capabilities; he urged affected populations to "be patient" and said the campaign would continue until objectives are met.

In a wide-ranging question-and-answer session, Pamela Faulk of US News & World Report asked whether Israel sees a path to regime change in Iran without advancing Iran's nuclear program. Don said he hopes the Iranian people will build a different future and praised U.S. action, saying such change would depend on circumstances and diplomacy after the conflict.

When asked whether Israel has personnel on the ground in Iran, Don declined to provide operational details but said Israel has monitored developments closely and believes many Iranians seek change. On whether the United States has been in talks with Iran's president to stay in power, Don said he was not familiar with those reports and reiterated that Israel is focused on targeting regime leadership while noting diplomacy will play a role after operations cease.

Reporters asked whether U.S. and Israeli intelligence underestimated Iran's ability to retaliate; Don said Iran prepared launchers in hidden locations and caves, making degradation gradual, though he asserted Israel currently has air superiority. Abdullah of Media Network asked how long Iran could continue attacks; Don said degradation will make it harder for Iran to launch missiles but cautioned the process would not be overnight.

Chris Reyes of CBC News asked whether Israel had information substantiating President Trump's claim that Iran planned to attack first if not struck preemptively. Don said Israel took Iranian threats seriously and praised the decision to act to prevent Iran from reaching a point of no return, comparing the risk to North Korea's past progress toward nuclear capability.

The briefing concluded after Don reiterated Israel's aims to stop missile threats and dismantle terror infrastructure. No formal votes or actions were taken at the press briefing.