Israel’s foreign minister has spoken of the “struggle and sacrifice” of the Maccabees as he warned his country will “always defend itself, by itself” to stop an Iranian nuclear bomb, in an exclusive interview with the JC.
Yair Lapid was speaking on a trip to London this week during which he signed a historic defence and trade deal with his British counterpart Liz Truss, and visited Downing Street with Israeli Ambassdor Tzipi Hotovely to light a menorah with Boris Johnson.
Drawing upon the lessons of Chanukah, Mr Lapid told the JC: “As I said in my speech alongside Prime Minister Johnson, we have to stand up for our values. The Maccabees certainly embody that: a willingness to struggle and even sacrifice in defence of our ideals and principles.
“This is an extraordinarily important lesson for the entire world to internalise in the face of the challenges we face: a continuing global pandemic, climate change, and the threat of international terrorism led by Iran.”
The Iranian regime has returned to the negotiating table in Vienna this week alongside the UK and other global powers in the hope of having sanctions against it lifted.
Concern is growing that it may be less than year away from creating a usable atomic bomb, and there is increasing speculation over what action Israel may take to stop that happening.
Mr Lapid warned: “Iran poses a global threat, and the whole world can and must act with resolve to stop Iran’s nuclear programme and malign activity.
“As I said to Foreign Secretary Truss during my visit to London, the United Kingdom can lead on this issue. Tighter sanctions. Tighter supervision. Conduct any talks from a position of strength. That’s the formula.
“With that said, Israel isn’t asking anyone to ensure our security. Only Israel provides security for Israel. Only we are responsible for the safety of our citizens.
"So while we know we are not alone in our push to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, Israel will always defend itself, by itself.”
This week has also seen Israel closing its borders to foreign travellers for at least 14 days to stop the spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.
Recognising that the emergency measure will have thrown the holiday plans for many British Jews into chaos, Mr Lapid said: “I know that the closing of Israel’s gates during the pandemic has been difficult for the diaspora and especially those with family in Israel.
“In this way, the pandemic has reaffirmed what I’ve consistently said: the Jewish people around the world are one family, and we aren’t meant to be apart.
“Israel is the state of the Jewish people. That will never change.
"Jews everywhere will always have a home in Israel, and as soon as conditions permit for safe travel to and from Israel, we’re eagerly waiting to reunite with our extended Jewish family abroad.
"And we’re committed to doing everything in our power to make that happen as soon as possible.”
Former television presenter Lapid has now been in politics for almost a decade as the leader of his centrist party Yesh Atid.
Having joined the government currently led by prime minster Naftali Bennett in June, he is part of the most politically diverse coalition in the country’s history, embracing left and right and an independent Arab-Israeli party.
Looking back over the past few months, Mr Lapid – who is due to take over as prime minister in 2023 – said: “The most extraordinary thing about this government is how much it has accomplished in such a short period of time.
"We’ve passed a budget for the first time in three and a half years. We’re passing important legislation to fight corruption and safeguard Israeli democracy.
"We’ve taken major steps towards closing gaps between different parts of Israeli society.
“This is because everyone is ready to solve problems and get things done. Leaders in Israel are looking for common ground, to unite for the good of the country rather than to divide for short-term political gain.
“This isn’t my first time in government and so personally, it’s been extraordinary to see people with different viewpoints come together and work together in a way many long ago forgot was possible.
"I hope in this way, Israel can be a model for a more tolerant, productive political discourse worldwide.”
As to how he would ordinarily be spending Chanukah, Mr Lapid said: “We usually light candles all together as a family, and my wife Lihi makes sufganiyot [doughnut] according to a recipe that’s been passed down from generation to generation.”
He added: “I love Chanukah because it reminds us all that individually, everyone is just one small light... but together, we form a strong, bright light: one that can light up and change the world for the better.”
