Davos/ New Delhi:
Israel’s Economy and Industry Minister Nir Barkat has talked about replacing Hamas with people who recognize Israel and who are “peace seekers”. In an interview given to NewsDeskReport at the World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos, Barkat talked about many issues. This includes the close ties between Israel and India, India’s huge investment in Haifa Port, the possibility of an India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and how the relationship between the two countries is driven by the equation between PM Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu. Barkat agreed to the fact that terrorism has affected both the countries.

Will the ceasefire in Gaza hold and will all hostages be brought back? On this question, the Israeli minister told NewsDeskReport, “Our hearts are with them. They were abducted from their homes wearing pajamas. They did nothing. Unfortunately, Hamas terrorists kidnapped them and raped, murdered them.” And they were brutally beheaded. Now there is an agreement that at least we can bring some of them back.”

Barakat said, “Strategically it should be very, very clear. Hamas cannot survive after this exchange of bringing back our hostages. Strategically the hostages should be replaced with people who will not support the State of Israel.” Those who want peace, otherwise Hamas wants to do this (terrorist attack) again, their charter is to terrorize Israel, we will not let this happen again.

The Israeli army said on Tuesday that it had launched an operation in Jenin in the West Bank. Regarding this, Netanyahu said that its objective is to “eliminate terrorism” in the region. Jenin and its refugee camps are considered hotbeds of Palestinian insurgency and Israeli forces frequently conduct raids against armed groups there.

Hamas cannot lead Gaza

Asked by NewsDeskReport whether Hamas had ceased to be a viable terrorist organization following Israel’s military actions in Gaza, Barkat cautioned against assuming that Hamas had become ineffective.

Barkat said, “Well, unfortunately not. Their charter, their goal is to wipe Israel off the map. They are jihadists. They want to get back into power. As long as they are in power, they will let someone else do development, They will not allow peace with Israel, nor will they continue to do so on the civilian side. are, they think they will, So we will never be able to have peace with them.”

Iran should not become a nuclear power

The Israeli minister described Iran and Qatar as “the biggest financiers of terrorism around the world.” Barkat said that Iran and Qatar are funding both Hezbollah and Hamas. He said that the focus should be on ensuring that Iran does not become a nuclear power.

Barkat said, “We have to focus on making sure that Iran does not become a nuclear power and does not weaken, so that we can actually expand the Abraham Accords with the Saudis, Indonesia and other liberal Arab states. It is a charter. Which we put together in the free world to fight terrorism. I know that India is also facing the challenge of terrorism.”

The Abraham Accords are agreements made to normalize relations between Israel and several Arab countries. These were signed in 2020. These agreements were named in reference to the alleged common ancestor of Jews and Arabs, the Biblical Abraham, and as an expression of brotherhood.

Unfortunately the jihadists leading Syria

Regarding the new government taking power in Syria and the developments there, Barkat said, “We always hope for the best, but we are prepared for the worst, because unfortunately the people who are now leading Syria are Hopefully they will change their mind and seek peace, we have been at peace with Egypt for 25 years. “Israel has shown that if our neighbor wants to cooperate with us and make peace, we will find a way.”

He said, “They have to recognize the State of Israel. They have to want peace. We have wonderful peace with the Emirates, really good economy, really good stability.”

Israel’s interest in increasing cooperation with India

Barkat said he would bring the “largest ever” delegation of CEOs, entrepreneurs and business to India on February 11 and meet his Indian counterpart Piyush Goyal.

Barkat told NewsDeskReport, “Today there is a lot of interest in increasing cooperation between India and Israel. We are really very good in terms of technology. India’s scope and size is very good and it is a good match. I am on February 11. Piyush Goyal is bringing the biggest ever mission of CEOs, entrepreneurs and business in India. He said, “And then another mission will come to Israel and we want to do more business in high tech, health tech, agro tech, food tech, desert tech, aqua tech, advanced industry and of course security.”

The Israeli minister said the India-Israel equation is a classic infrastructure for doing a lot of business because “there are very good relations between the two Prime Ministers. There are good government-to-government, people-to-people relations on both sides.”

He agreed that the personal rapport between Prime Minister Modi and Netanyahu is “extremely important” in taking forward relations between the two countries. Barkat said, “I should thank Modi because he was the first person to call Netanyahu on October 7 and give his support to Israel. We will never forget this. Israel has a good memory. And when we face difficult times, When we go through this, their phone call and support is very meaningful to us and we are very grateful.”

Haifa Port and Economic Corridor

Barkat said that, as far as the economic corridor connecting Mumbai and Israel through the Middle East and then Europe is concerned, Israel is open for business. The Israeli minister told NewsDeskReport, “In terms of the corridor, we are open for business. We want to make sure that the Saudis are involved in it, the Jordanians are involved in it, we are involved in it, and we will be able to move from Haifa port to Europe.” And are planning their share from Beit She’an towards Jordan and Mumbai.”

On the support Israel is receiving from the people of India for its cause, Barkat said he is “very optimistic.” He said, “… by overcoming the terror around us, we share with our friends how to do that. And India is a very good friend of Israel. And so you can believe that Whatever knowledge and experience we have about defense and attack, defense and of course, food production and better health systems, we would like to share with India.

He said, “And that’s what we want, you know, India is now the top priority for me as the Minister of Economy and Industry. And that’s why I have just had a meeting and I come back to the meeting with a bigger mission. The Israeli people are eager to see how we can transform this relationship to greater trade.

Very smart government focused on development in India

Barkat said, “India is the largest country in the world in terms of population. And I see development, you have a very smart government focused on development. That size, development and pace is very important for the people of Israel.” “I feel very, very honored that we can turn this trusting relationship into greater business.”

The Israeli minister told NewsDeskReport that, with India’s focus on the Make in India program and the self-reliant India policy, there are some things that both countries need to sort out to ensure that the partnership is in the best interest of both.

Barkat said, “That’s why the mission is coming (in February). There are a lot of big security companies coming with me on that mission. We want to make sure we all feel comfortable in this model. It’s a “It’s a unique model. And the scale and scale of India, it makes sense to do that. And that’s one reason we’re coming to collaborate and work out all the details.”

World Economic Forum focused on resuming growth

The five-day meeting, which began in Davos on Monday, is considering how to restart growth, harness new technologies and strengthen social and economic resilience, according to the World Economic Forum. Let’s do. Nearly 3,000 leaders from more than 130 countries are participating in the global meeting.

India’s participation in Davos aims to strengthen partnerships, attract investments and establish the country as a world leader in sustainable development and technological innovation. This time India has sent five Union Ministers, three Chief Ministers and ministers of many other states to WEF.