Peters raises concerns with Israel as Sa’ar emphasises Hezbollah threat
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has raised Wellington’s “grave concerns” over remarks by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir during a phone call with his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Sa’ar.
Peters disclosed details of the conversation on social media, revealing that the call had been initiated by Sa’ar and that the two ministers had exchanged views on the deteriorating situation in the Middle East.
According to Peters, he raised New Zealand’s concerns over comments attributed to Ben-Gvir regarding Lebanon and said that the recently concluded Iran-US Memorandum of Understanding provided “an important chance for de-escalation in Lebanon.”
Peters also reiterated New Zealand’s opposition to settlement expansion and expressed alarm over reports of settler violence in Judea and Samaria (the “West Bank”), saying these developments were incompatible with New Zealand’s long standing support for a two-state solution.
“Minister Peters stressed that New Zealand is alarmed by reports of settler violence and settlement expansion in the West Bank, which is incompatible with our long-held view that a two-state solution is the only sustainable way forward,” his statement said.
Sa’ar’s account of the call highlighted different concerns. Writing on X, the Israeli Foreign Minister said he had assured Peters that Israel would respect the ceasefire in Lebanon provided Hezbollah did not violate it.
“We don’t have territorial ambitions in Lebanon, but we will not withdraw from the security zone and expose our citizens to Hezbollah’s attacks and possible invasion,” Sa’ar wrote.
He added that Lebanese sovereignty had been undermined “for decades” by Iranian influence exercised through Hezbollah and argued that dismantling what he described as “Hezbollah’s terror state” was in the interests of both Israel and Lebanon.
Sa’ar also said he had invited Peters to visit Israel.
The differing public summaries underscored the contrasting priorities of the two governments. While New Zealand focused on inflammatory rhetoric, settlements, and prospects for de-escalation, Israel emphasised Hezbollah, Iranian influence, and security concerns along its northern border.
The exchange comes amid renewed regional tensions and continuing international efforts to prevent further escalation between Israel and Hezbollah following months of cross-border attacks.
Ben-Gvir’s remarks, which drew criticism internationally, followed the deaths of four Israeli soldiers in an attack attributed to Hezbollah.
The call also illustrated the continuing engagement between Wellington and Jerusalem despite recent disagreements over aspects of Israeli policy and New Zealand’s repeated support for a negotiated two-state solution.
