Tel Aviv, March 6 (NationPress) David Mencer, spokesperson for the Israeli Prime Minister's Office, has announced that Operation 'Roaring Lion', undertaken by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) alongside the US against Iran, is achieving significant advancements as the conflict marks its sixth day on Friday. In a special interview with IANS, Mencer indicated that Iranian ballistic missile sites, which posed a threat to Israel and neighboring nations, have been dismantled.

As Mencer informed IANS, the IDF is transitioning into the second phase of the operation, focusing on targeting underground missile facilities in Iran. He also highlighted the shared zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism embraced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu.

Excerpts:

IANS: How would you assess the current situation in the conflict?

David Mencer: At the six-day mark of this war, Prime Minister Netanyahu has articulated that we are seeing remarkable progress thanks to our collaboration with US allies. We have successfully targeted Iranian missile sites, particularly those that are a significant threat to our nation. Moreover, we recognize that these sites also endanger Europe, including Cyprus, and neighboring countries. Our advancement is indeed substantial. Recently, the Prime Minister and President Trump had a discussion regarding this progress, and I can assure you we are ahead of our timeline, although much remains to be accomplished.

IANS: What timeline are we looking at? Is regime change in Iran a possibility?

David Mencer: What the US and Israel are doing is opening a door. We are creating an opportunity for the Iranian people to seize their freedom. For the past 47 years, they have been under the oppressive Iranian terror regime, which terrorizes its citizens. A significant majority, about 80%, of the populace disapproves of this regime. There have been jubilant celebrations on the streets following our actions against the Ayatollah and 40 top leaders of Iran. We are paving a path for the Iranian people to embrace freedom and instigate change. It is crucial to note that they may not have another chance. This represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shift Iran away from its dictatorial, Islamic fascist governance towards liberation.

IANS: Is there a potential for dialogue with Tehran?

David Mencer: President Trump is steering that discussion. He has indicated that dialogue is possible, yet we have heard from American negotiator Steve Witkoff that his Iranian counterparts boasted of possessing enough nuclear material for 11 nuclear bombs. This illustrates the Iranian stance, which I consider one of the most reckless diplomatic positions ever. Therefore, we are advancing with our mission, as a region devoid of a fascist regime is preferable for the world.

IANS: Can you assess Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities?

David Mencer: We have inflicted substantial damage on Iran's ballistic missile capabilities. The IDF is now entering the second phase of our operation, focusing on underground missile storage facilities. These missiles threaten not only Israel but have already reached Europe, as we are aware of Iran's ambitions to target America and other European regions. We will not allow that to happen. Together with our US partners, we are committed to ensuring that the most dangerous weapons do not fall into the hands of the most hazardous regime.

IANS: How many more days do you estimate it will take for Iran to capitulate?

David Mencer: We will persist until the job is completed. This will not be an instantaneous process. Iran is a vast country with a complex society. Nevertheless, the Iranian people deserve freedom. This is not merely a quick operation; there are 90 million individuals in Iran. We have already targeted critical locations in Iran, including the regime's military and police headquarters, which have been impeding the rights of women and all citizens. We are making noteworthy progress, and our Prime Minister has stated this operation will continue as long as necessary.

IANS: What is Israel’s stance regarding the future leadership of Iran?

David Mencer: Ultimately, that decision rests with the Iranian populace. We are creating an opportunity, a portal for the Iranian people to step through. We witnessed the regime's brutality in January when over 30,000 individuals were ruthlessly killed. We are now providing this chance for the Iranian people to rise and seize the moment created by American and Israeli actions. We hope they do so, as this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

IANS: Is there a real possibility of regime change in Iran?

David Mencer: We are creating the conditions for the Iranian people to take control of their future, and we hope they seize this chance. This is indeed a unique opportunity for them to reclaim their freedom after 47 years under a regime that has squandered their resources. Iran has intelligent individuals—scientists, poets, and talented citizens—whose resources have been misallocated towards threats against Israel and America. We are ensuring that this is no longer feasible so that the Iranian people can pursue freedom.

IANS: US fighter jets were targeted in Kuwait. Who was responsible?

David Mencer: The latest information indicates it was a case of friendly fire, a regrettable incident linked to Kuwaiti defensive actions, which is currently under investigation by the Americans. However, the latest reports confirm it was indeed a friendly fire situation.

IANS: Has Israel or the US received any signals from Iran regarding peace or recalibration?

David Mencer: If you are inquiring whether the current Iranian regime is inclined towards peace, their actions over the past 47 years speak volumes about their true ambitions. They unequivocally call for Israel's destruction, stating 'death to Israel.' The Jewish experience has taught us to take such threats seriously. We believe their intentions are genuine. Historically, there have been numerous calls for the annihilation of the Jewish people, yet India remains the only nation where this has not occurred, further solidifying the strong bond between our two nations.

IANS: Does Israel possess the capability to engage in a prolonged conflict with Iran?

David Mencer: This issue is not about capacity but necessity. Iran has declared its intention to obliterate our nation. They attempted to infiltrate our borders on October 7 through their proxy, Hamas, and have threatened us through Hezbollah and the Houthis. This war is about safeguarding Israel's long-term future, as the most perilous weapons must not be in the hands of the most dangerous regime on Earth. We strive for peaceful relations with our neighbors, which underscores the significance of the Abraham Accords. Once the Iranian threat is neutralized and the Iranian populace can attain freedom, we anticipate improved relations with all nations in the region.

IANS: Is Israel receiving support from Gulf countries in this conflict?

David Mencer: I can reveal only limited information, but the Israeli government maintains contact with all neighboring nations. Almost all have experienced the threat of Iranian ballistic missiles, and there is a shared understanding that Israeli and US efforts are enhancing safety for everyone in the region. Once we neutralize Iran's nuclear capabilities and ballistic missile threats, we will be able to work towards peace. Our Prime Minister has already brokered remarkable peace agreements with regional countries through the Abraham Accords, and under his leadership, we will achieve even more.

IANS: Concerns have arisen regarding the targeting of an Iranian warship near the Sri Lankan coast. Was this action justified?

David Mencer: US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has outlined the rationale behind this action, which Israel fully supports. This marks the first instance since World War II where a US submarine has engaged an enemy warship. Together with our US partners, we affirm that this measure was entirely justified. We are united in our effort to eliminate the threat posed by Iranian missiles, nuclear capabilities, and their support for proxy forces.

IANS: Was there any indication that the Iranian warship was involved in military activities?

David Mencer: The Iranian warship was part of Iran's armed forces, operating under the command of the Ayatollah regime, and thus represents a threat. It's essential to remember that the Iranian regime consistently expresses its hostile intentions, proclaiming 'death to America.' Under international law, when faced with threats from another nation, you are justified in neutralizing that military threat, and that is precisely what our US partners executed. For further specifics, I recommend contacting the US Department of War. From Israel's perspective, we unequivocally support the action that has mitigated the threat from the Iranian military, not the Iranian people, but the regime itself.

IANS: How do you view the involvement of Indian leadership in this scenario?

David Mencer: I was honored to accompany our Prime Minister in welcoming Prime Minister Modi just days ago. The reception was incredibly moving. There were tears in our eyes as Prime Minister Modi addressed our Knesset, conveying messages of leadership and understanding. Both he and Prime Minister Netanyahu recognize the necessity of a zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism. Appeasement only leads to further conflict. Terrorist states must be confronted and defeated, which is precisely what we are doing.

IANS: What is your perspective on the friendship between PM Modi and the Israeli Prime Minister?

David Mencer: Prime Minister Modi's recent visit was immensely successful. His words in our Knesset, 'Am Yisrael Chai,' resonated deeply, emphasizing that the people of Israel live on. Contrary to the narratives presented by some international media, we are not isolated; we have strong partners in the US and many other nations. Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi reiterated that 1.5 billion Indians stand with us in our fight against terrorism. Both Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Netanyahu share a common vision: a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism, which guarantees success. Appeasing terrorists only leads to greater conflict. Together with President Trump, they advocate for peace through strength. Initially, strength must prevail, followed by peace, and we are witnessing this unfold.