Removal of Hezbollah terror mastermind proves Israel protects the region while Iran’s proxies sabotage Arab stability.
At a joint press conference in Asunción, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar hailed the elimination of Hezbollah’s terror chief Ali Tabatabai, calling it a decisive victory for regional security and a blow to Iran’s most dangerous proxy militia. Standing alongside Paraguayan Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano, Sa’ar declared:
“The world is a better place today without Ali Tabatabai.”
Tabatabai, Hezbollah’s de facto Chief of Staff, was responsible for orchestrating deadly attacks against Israel and the United States. With American and Israeli blood on his hands—and a $5 million US bounty—his removal dismantles a key pillar of Hezbollah’s war machine. Sa’ar emphasized that Tabatabai had recently been working to rebuild Hezbollah’s shattered infrastructure following Israel’s successful operations in 2024.
Sa’ar made it clear that Israel’s precision strikes do not violate Lebanese sovereignty. Rather, he argued, it is Hezbollah itself—armed, funded, and directed by Iran—that has robbed Lebanon of its sovereignty.
“As long as Hezbollah is the strongest armed force in Lebanon, the country remains under Iranian occupation.”
He reiterated that Israel cannot enjoy security and Lebanon cannot have a future while Hezbollah continues rearming in violation of UN resolutions and Lebanese law. Since the ceasefire, Hezbollah has aggressively restocked weapons rather than disarm—a pattern enabled by the weakness of Beirut’s leadership and Iran’s tightening grip on the region.
Sa’ar used the moment to highlight Paraguay’s unwavering moral clarity. He praised the South American nation for:
- Recognizing Israel early in its statehood
- Returning its embassy to Jerusalem
- Designating all wings of Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as terror entities
- Strengthening bilateral security cooperation
He emphasized that Paraguay’s values—standing firmly against terror and supporting Israel’s right to defend itself—place it among Israel’s most principled allies.
Sa’ar celebrated growing trade and technological partnerships, including joint initiatives in water management, advanced agriculture, cyber defense, and renewable energy. The newly signed security cooperation memorandum further cements the two countries’ strategic alignment.
He concluded by reaffirming a robust, long-term alliance:
“Together, Minister, we will continue strengthening this partnership. ¡Muchas gracias!”
This press conference showcased a world increasingly recognizing Israel as a stabilizing force—and Hezbollah, Hamas, and Iran as the true enemies of regional peace.
