Israel’s foreign minister has warned that Middle East stability is impossible without dismantling Iran-backed groups, calling on global powers to confront Tehran’s proxy network head-on
Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar has issued one of his strongest statements yet on the Middle East’s shifting geopolitics, urging the dismantling of Iranian-aligned networks across the region.
Speaking during an official visit to Kazakhstan, Sa’ar said that Iran’s influence—spread through armed groups and militant organisations—must be broken to achieve long-term stability. He did not mince words when identifying the groups he says undermine peace and security in the Middle East.
“Iran’s proxy terror states in the Middle East, Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen, must be dismantled,” he said, adding that progress on stability hinges on eliminating these networks. “Without doing so, there will be no regional stability,” Sa’ar emphasised, framing the call as central to Israel’s strategic objectives.
Iran’s web of influence
Iran has long relied on allied militias and political movements to project power beyond its borders. Groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis receive varying degrees of financial support, weapons, training and intelligence from Tehran. Israel argues that this network allows Iran to wage indirect warfare while avoiding direct confrontation.
Sa’ar’s remarks come amid heightened regional tensions following the Gaza war, cross-border exchanges with Hezbollah along Israel’s northern frontier, and continued Houthi attacks linked to the Red Sea shipping crisis. Israeli officials say these conflicts are interconnected and driven by Iran’s broader strategy.
Beyond military concerns, Sa’ar also stressed the need for diplomatic and legal pressure. He has repeatedly urged European countries to take tougher steps against Iran, including designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation for its role in supporting armed groups across the region.
Israeli officials believe such measures would restrict funding, limit travel and send a strong political signal against Iran’s regional activities. Sa’ar’s comments signal a push to rally international partners behind a coordinated response.
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