FM Sa'ar holds joint press conference in Vilnius with Lithuanian FM Kęstutis Budrys
Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs
FM Sa'ar: "Our strikes damaged Iran's supply of drones. The very same technology being used by Russia, with Iranian help, in its war against Ukraine... The capabilities that Israel destroyed in Iran did not only threaten Israel. They threaten Europe and the wider Western world."
Type: Press Releases
Topic: Foreign Policy
Publish Date: 01.07.2025
Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar today (Tuesday, July 1, 2025) held a joint press conference in Vilnius with Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys. Following are his full remarks:
"I thank my host, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis, for the warm hospitality.
I want to thank you for your open and forward approach. Our dialogue is good, important and effective.
It is a privilege to be here in Vilnius.
Our nations share deep historical ties.
The Jewish community of Vilnius was once a major center of Jewish life and learning in Europe.
And my wife's family also came from Vilnius. I can assure you, Minister - it is my first visit here, but not my last.
Israel sees Lithuania as an important partner in Europe.
And I believe that Israel is a strategic partner for Europe - especially for Lithuania.
Israel is an asset for Europe and the Western world in the Middle East.
Israel's 'Operation Rising Lion' against the head of the snake in Iran - and its many actions since the October 7th massacre - contribute directly and significantly to the security of Europe.
Our operation was a huge success.
Iran's nuclear program was the greatest threat to regional stability, and also a great threat for Europe and world order.
A nuclear Iran certainly would have caused a nuclear arms race in the Middle East - as much as the threat of leaking this kind of dangerous weapon to terror organizations.
Israel's actions, along with the U.S., sent the Iranian regime's nuclear ambitions many years back.
Iran's ballistic missiles that Israel severely damaged were able to reach Europe too.
Our strikes damaged Iran's supply of drones. The very same technology being used by Russia, with Iranian help, in its war against Ukraine. We were very successful in intercepting 1,000 of them.
Israel's war on seven fronts since Hamas' October 7th massacre - is not just Israel's war.
Of course it is a war for our survival.
But it is a broader struggle between the free world and the radical axis of terror - led by Iran and its proxies:
Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis of Yemen, the Shi'a militias in Iraq and Palestinian terror gangs in Judea and Samaria.
And the axis is supported by the authoritarian axis:
China, Russia and North Korea.
***
Israel did not seek this war. Hamas started it and is responsible also for its continuation in Gaza.
We are serious, as I told the Minister, in our will to reach a hostage deal and a ceasefire.
We said Yes to Special Envoy Steve Witkoff's proposals.
Unfortunately, until now, Hamas hadn't.
This war can end any day - if Hamas releases our hostages and lays down its arms.
****
Minister,
This battle is between civilization and barbarism.
Europe must not be confused - Israel is a strategic partner.
There is no other partner that shares the same values and challenges in our region.
Our actions contribute directly to European security.
While those in the international community talked the talk, Israel was the only one:
To act.
To remove the threat.
To do the "dirty work for all of us", as the German Chancellor said.
The capabilities that Israel destroyed in Iran did not only threaten Israel. They threaten Europe and the wider Western world.
Israel has much to contribute to Lithuania and we want to cooperate on trade, economy, and hi-tech, and also security from our knowledge, experience, technology, and military equipment.
****
Dear Minister,
As I stand here in Vilnius, I recall the special Jewish heritage of this land.
I also recall the dark chapter that led to its destruction during the Holocaust.
As a nation, we will always carry this pain with us.
But I also see hope in our partnership:
We appreciate Lithuania's commitment to fight antisemitism. We discussed it.
We are grateful to Lithuania for standing with Israel in our most difficult hour.
But we still need you to continue standing firmly by us on the international stage.
Let us further strengthen the bonds between our nations - for the sake of a better and safer and more prosperous future for us all.
Thank you."
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