Israeli Ambassador Alleges Iran’s Destabilising Influence Extends to Nigeria
The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, raised concerns on Tuesday about Iran’s alleged destabilizing activities in Nigeria, claiming that Tehran’s “nefarious activities” have extended beyond the Middle East to Africa. Freeman made these remarks during a screening in Abuja of the documentary We Will Dance Again: Surviving October 7th, directed by Yariv Mozer, which commemorated the first anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel that involved the abduction of Israeli citizens.
The documentary highlighted the traumatic events of October 7, when the militant group Hamas abducted 396 partygoers in Israel, later releasing some through U.S. and UN intervention. However, 101 individuals remain in captivity, reportedly being used as leverage in negotiations with Israel.
Freeman asserted that Iranian forces were responsible for sowing discord and instability, not only in Israel but also across different parts of the globe, including Nigeria. He described Iran’s influence as malicious, orchestrating regional unrest through proxy forces like Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, causing suffering for millions. “The tyrants in Tehran are responsible for the destabilisation of countries and the misery of millions,” Freeman declared. “Iran’s nefarious activities are not limited to the Middle East. Let me be clear, Iran’s leaders are also working to destabilise Western Africa, including here in Nigeria.”
Israel’s Actions Against Hezbollah in Lebanon
Freeman went on to explain Israel’s position in extending its military operations into Lebanon, a region where Hezbollah—a group allied with Hamas—has a stronghold. Israel’s strikes have reportedly killed hundreds and caused extensive infrastructure damage. Freeman clarified that Israel’s actions are contingent upon the complete enforcement of UN Resolution 1701, which demands the disarmament of Hezbollah forces and their withdrawal beyond the Litani River, as well as control by the Lebanese army in southern Lebanon.
“The war in Lebanon will only end with the full implementation of UN Resolution 1701 – with Hezbollah unable to rearm, and pushed back beyond the Litani River and the Lebanese army in control of the South of Lebanon,” he emphasized.
Support and Gratitude for Nigeria and the United States
The ambassador also expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government and the U.S. for their unwavering support of Israel in its conflicts across multiple fronts. Freeman acknowledged that Israel is facing a complex war against several opponents, with Iranian support suspected to be at the core of these challenges.
“Over the past year, the support shown by President Biden, as well as by Republicans and Democrats alike, has been overwhelming, and I am confident that whoever wins today’s (Tuesday) presidential election will continue that steadfast support. But it hasn’t just been the U.S., and I want to thank all of those countries that have stood by us, publicly and behind the scenes,” Freeman remarked.
He also extended special thanks to Nigeria’s allies who have supported Israel through these trying times, noting, “I also want to thank all of our friends in Nigeria who have stood with us.”
Iran’s Alleged Role in Regional Conflicts
In his closing remarks, Freeman underscored the gravity of Israel’s situation, calling it a battle that Israel did not initiate. “This is not a war we wanted. This is not a war we started. Hamas and Hezbollah attacked Israel. And today we face a war on seven fronts – all of it sponsored by Iran,” he said.
Efforts to obtain a comment from Iranian authorities regarding Freeman’s allegations were unsuccessful at the time of this report.