Israel's Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Sharren Haskel defended the right to retaliate against Iranian military strikes and rejected reports of a rift with the U.S.
These statements come amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, where the ability to project strength is viewed by Israeli leadership as a primary deterrent against regional aggression.
In a series of interviews with Canadian media outlets, Haskel addressed the necessity of military responses to protect Israeli security. She said that retaliation is required to maintain regional stability and safeguard the state from Iranian aggression [1]. During a CTV interview on March 13, 2026, Haskel said that regime change in Iran is only a matter of time [1].
Haskel also dismissed rumors that the strategic partnership between Israel and the U.S. has weakened. She said that blunt discussions between the two nations do not signify a split, but rather reflect a strong and transparent alliance [1].
Addressing critics and younger generations who expressed unease with the prospect of war, Haskel suggested that historical context is necessary to understand the current conflict. In a conversation with the National Post, she told those uneasy with the situation to read a few more history books [3].
Further emphasizing her stance on leadership and strength, Haskel referenced historical figures to contrast different approaches to diplomacy and conflict. In an interview with the Toronto Sun via Yahoo, she said the world needs more Churchills and fewer Chamberlains [2].
This rhetoric underscores a broader Israeli strategy of maintaining a credible threat of force while seeking to ensure that its primary international allies remain committed to its defense [1, 2].
“Regime change in Iran is only a matter of time.”
Haskel's remarks signal that Israel is prioritizing a policy of 'strength through deterrence' and is unwilling to let diplomatic pressure from allies or domestic concerns in the West limit its military options. By framing the Iranian regime as temporary and the U.S. alliance as resilient, Israel is attempting to project confidence and strategic patience to both its adversaries and its partners.
