Mo News ‘Our Existence Is Not Up For Debate’: Israeli Ambassador To US On Iran, US Relations, Palestinian Statehood and Antisemitism
Feb 27, 2026
Yechiel Leiter, Israeli Ambassador to the United States and career diplomat, outlines Iran’s missile threat and the limits of diplomacy. He discusses Gaza’s demilitarization, Hamas’s origins and Israel’s changed security posture after October 7. He also addresses shifting U.S. support, media narratives, and where criticism crosses into antisemitism.
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Ballistic Missiles Are a Standalone Threat
- Ballistic missiles themselves are a major threat separate from nuclearization because they can cause mass destruction.
- Leiter highlights that five missile-defense layers saved many lives in the 12-day war but cannot seal the skies completely.
Degrade Iran To Reduce U.S. Regional Burden
- Degrading Iran now can reduce long-term U.S. involvement in the Middle East and open space to focus elsewhere.
- Leiter argues removing Iran as a destabilizer enables expanded Abraham Accords and shifts U.S. assets toward the Far East.
How October 7 Unfolded And Who Stopped Worse
- Hamas relied on Iranian support and its October 7 attack was a coordinated plan that Sinwar launched prematurely.
- Leiter recounts the attack killed 1,200 Israelis and credits armed civilians and soldiers for preventing even greater slaughter.