H. E. Yosi Levi Sfari personally believes that history is shaped by actions and reactions.
H.E. Yosi Levi Sfari is Ambassador of the State of Israel to the Republic of Bulgaria since August 2023.
Graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 1996. Became a Master of Law, Specializing in European Union Law, in the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 2000 and a Master of Social Science, Conflict Research Management and Resolution in Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 2006.
Before arriving in Bulgaria H. E. Levi-Sfary was a Head of Department at the Latin America Division in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Head of Administration of the Israeli Consulate General in NYC and the Israeli Mission to the UN, Consul General in Istanbul, Head of the Israeli Embassy, Chargé d’affaires in Ankara, Deputy Ambassador and Head of Administration and Consular Service in Montevideo.
Founder and Head of a private law firm in Jerusalem, with specialization in juvenile delinquency, civil law and real estate law.
Your Excellency, the first phase of the truce between Israel and Hamas is already a fact. How will you comment on claims by political observers that it is a nod to United States Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump, who have already claimed credit for it?
– First, I’m glad you described the situation correctly as a truce. The war Israel is fighting, following the October 7th massacre, has clear objectives. The primary goal is to eliminate Hamas’ military and administrative power. We aim to ensure that Gaza no longer poses a threat to our citizens, which is why we demand the demilitarization of Gaza and the deradicalization of its population. Another key goal is the safe release of our hostages.
There are various ways to achieve these objectives, and the use of force is just one option. We don’t believe it’s possible to demilitarize Gaza and dismantle Hamas through negotiations. However, diplomatic efforts can be crucial for ensuring the safe release of the hostages.
The role of the United States has been critical in reaching this agreement.
You told that you want to destroy Hamas. But the former US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has already said that Hamas has replaced all its militants killed in Gaza with new fighters. Don’t you think you should change this force-only approach?
– We need to understand what has been happening. Hamas has been stealing the humanitarian aid meant for the people of Gaza, using it to recruit new fighters, many of whom are young boys. This cruel organization shows no compassion for its own people. Hamas doesn’t hesitate to sacrifice these children, using their deaths to accuse Israel of killing innocents. It is a cynical group with no moral boundaries.
On the other hand, the military operation has significantly weakened Hamas, with many of its leaders and senior commanders eliminated. However, there is still more work to be done.
Do you think that this ceasеfire corresponds to Israel’s interests or, on the contrary, is unacceptable, as interpreted by the Israeli far-right party “Otzma Yehudit”?
– Israel is a democracy, and it’s completely legitimate to have differing opinions. Ultimately, it is the government that must make the final decision. Some government members have expressed concerns that releasing convicted terrorists and agreeing to a ceasefire could strengthen Hamas. While this is a valid concern, the government has made its decision.
So, in this relation, how will you comment on the issued arrest warrants of the International Criminal Court for Netanyahu and his former Minister of Defense, Yoav Galant, for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity?
– As you may know, Israel is not a member of the ICC and has never joined the Rome Statute. We believe the ICC is acting without jurisdiction. Additionally, the fundamental principle of the ICC is complementarity—it only has jurisdiction if a state is unable or unwilling to use its own judicial system. Israel, as a democratic state, has a strong and respected judicial system that holds the government and its agencies accountable. For example, our judicial system has not hesitated to bring our President, Prime Minister, and Ministers to justice on multiple occasions.
The decision of the International Criminal Court is purely political. Just look at Secretary Blinken’s statement, made immediately after the Prosecutor General announced plans to request arrest warrants. In his statement, Blinken referenced the fact that the Prosecutor’s team was set to visit Israel but canceled their trip, only for the Prosecutor to rush to CNN and announce his decision instead. Israel, despite not being a member of the ICC, had agreed to cooperate with the organization and share the reality on the ground. However, rather than come to Israel and conduct a proper investigation, the Prosecutor chose to make an announcement without verifying the facts.
This decision is outrageous and will severely damage the credibility of the International Criminal Court.
How do you explain the mass protests in Western countries against the war in Gaza? Even in America?
– As a democrat, I respect people’s right to freely express their opinions and to protest. However, over the past year, we’ve seen a troubling and dangerous trend: these protests are becoming increasingly violent, especially against Jews. They often spread antisemitic rhetoric and take violent action. We’ve witnessed this in American universities, where Jewish students were attacked and barred from entering campuses; in Amsterdam, where a mob targeted Israeli football fans; and in many other locations. Pro-Palestinian protests are increasingly marked by violence, intimidating anyone who disagrees with them.
Furthermore, many of these protests are funded by radical Islamic groups that exploit social media to manipulate young minds. This is dangerous and stands in direct opposition to our democratic values.
Would Israel agree to the creation of an independent, beyond its control, state of the Palestinians?
– In 2005, Israel completely withdrew from the Gaza Strip, allowing the Palestinians the opportunity to establish their own government. At that time, Gaza had both a port and an airport. However, instead of investing in building their institutions and economy, they chose to invest in terror, hatred, and incitement. The consequences were evident on October 7th.
The European Council continues to insist that the solution to the conflict should be based on “two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace within secure and recognized borders.” But what has prevented the Palestinians from becoming a democratic society? After all, the people of Gaza support Hamas and elected them. Every survey shows that Hamas remains highly popular among Palestinians. Given these circumstances, I believe the question of two states is irrelevant.
And where should they go?
– What do you mean?
I mean that they live there. And maybe they will be the same in future. And what’s from now on?
– The Palestinian Authority was meant to oversee all civil aspects of Palestinian life. However, it lost control over Gaza to Hamas, and became a corrupt entity that funds terrorists and the families of terrorists in prison. Instead of working to prevent terrorism, they encourage it.
We can discuss various models of self-governance, but one thing must be clear: we will not accept any model that does not guarantee our security.
Will you increase the pressure on Iran after the tension in Gaza subsides and after the signed cooperation agreements between the Islamic Republic and Russia?
– For years, Israel has warned that Iran is not just a threat to Israel, but to the entire free world. Europe is starting to recognize this more clearly. Iranian weapons play a significant role in the attacks against Ukraine. Iranian proxies, like the Houthis, hijacked a ship and held two Bulgarian citizens hostage for months.
These proxies also disrupt key sea routes, harming the economies of Europe, Egypt, and Jordan. Hezbollah, another Iranian proxy, has long supported the Assad regime, contributing to waves of Syrian refugees who have sought refuge in Turkey and Europe. While Israel is at the frontline of this conflict with Iran, its impact extends far beyond our borders. We expect our allies to support us.
The critical question is how to prevent this radical, dangerous regime from acquiring nuclear capabilities. There are limited options, and one of them is the use of force. Without presenting a credible military option, there is little chance for a diplomatic solution. Israel urges the European Union to impose crippling sanctions on Iran and designate the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization.
How do you assess the new political configuration in the region of Middle East after the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad given the sphere of divergent interests of leading foreign powers towards the country?
– The fall of Bashar Assad in Syria is positive news. Assad was part of the Iran-Hezbollah “axis of evil” and posed a significant threat to both Israel’s and Europe’s security. Remember, this regime used chemical weapons against its own people. However, we must remain cautious about the future. The new regime in Syria is made up of jihadists, radicals, and former Al-Qaeda members, and now they must prove what kind of state they intend to build. Will they protect human rights, establish democracy, and safeguard minorities? Only time will tell.
We are encouraged that the new regime has declared it will not allow the transfer of Iranian weapons to Hezbollah. We also hope it will allow Lebanon to gain its sovereignty over its territory and fulfill the agreement with Israel.
You have been Consul General in Istanbul. How do you assess Turkey’s role in the Middle East in view of the new situation in Syria?
– Turkey is an important country in our region and could have played a significant role in the fight against radicalism. Unfortunately, it has not fulfilled its responsibility. First, in its relations with Hamas, a recognized terrorist organization. Second, regarding Syria, Turkey controls a large part of Syrian territory and has a responsibility toward the Kurdish population. We must remember that the Kurds have been key allies of the West in the fight against ISIS. We hope to see Turkey adopt a more positive and stabilizing role in the region.
You have complicated relations with Turkey.
– You’re right, our relations are complex. However, I have always believed, especially during my time serving in Turkey, that cooperation between Israel and Turkey benefits both countries and serves the broader interests of the region.
What are your relations with the Arab states of the Persian Gulf – which of them do you consider friends and which enemies, since Qatar, along with Egypt and the United States, was a mediator in the negotiations for the truce in Gaza?
– Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain have signed a peace agreement, and despite the current conflict, communication between these countries has remained strong. I believe most Gulf countries now understand that Israel is not their enemy, but rather Iran and the so-called “axis of evil.” We hope to build a better future for the nations of the Middle East through their active involvement.
The key question is who will shape the future of the Middle East: will it be countries like Bahrain, the United Emirates, Oman, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Morocco, and Egypt, or will it be the forces of extremism—like the Houthis, Iran, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas, and others? Israel is at the forefront of the fight against Iran and its proxies, but this threat extends beyond our borders and endangers other nations as well.
I have read a political analysis that the Saudi crown prince is one of the big winners from the truce in Gaza and the reduction of the Iran influence and wants to replace Iran and to play a bigger role in the region. What is your opinion? Do you support the view that MBS is the big winner?
– There’s no doubt that Saudi Arabia is a leading country in our world today. Saudi Arabia is focused on building a future of peace, cooperation, stability, and friendship. Achieving these goals is closely tied to one important factor: education. A lasting peace cannot exist in a world where children are taught to become murderers or terrorists. Unfortunately, this is what is happening in Palestinian territories, where children are being trained to become terrorists.
When we look at the curricula in other countries, particularly the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Morocco, we see a positive shift. These countries are revising their educational systems to portray Islam not as a religion of jihad, but as a religion of peace, acceptance, and inclusion. This is the only way to build a foundation for peace. We cannot achieve peace in a society that promotes hatred through its education system. This is a lesson that Europe learned after World War II: only by transforming the education system can lasting peace be achieved.
What is Israel’s position on the war in Ukraine, since many Jewish immigrants from Russia and Ukraine live in Israel? Do you suspect a connection between the invasion of Russian troops on Ukrainian soil and the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023?
– Israel stands with Ukraine, supporting its territorial integrity and sovereignty. We believe this war must come to an end. As for your second question, I have no evidence to suggest any connection as you’ve mentioned.
How could you explain the changes in the world order, in particular – the explosions of nationalism and the transition from a global world to a zealous defense of national interests?
– We need to understand why this happened. Personally, I believe history is shaped by actions and reactions. Nationalism, for example, seems to be a response to other movements that, at some point, veered into extremism. People start to question the kind of society they will live in. This is evident in many Western countries, where the influence of immigration is noticeable. As the local population decreases and the number of immigrants grows, some people begin to feel like a minority in their own country. This shift can deeply impact their culture, beliefs, and religion. This fear often sparks a reaction, which can sometimes become extreme.
Achieving balance is crucial, and this balance can only be reached by understanding the concerns of the people who will ultimately vote. I hope that such understanding will lead to a solution.
We see an influence also on the trade, on the world trade.
– You think so. In which way?
Through the tariffs, through the sanctions and so on.
– Yes, many times trade is used as a tool to achieve a policy which is not necessarily economic.
Yes, but it harms economy, the world economy, maybe.
– I believe that instability also harms the economy. In some European countries, the policy of open borders has led to dramatic changes in society, the economy, and even personal security. It has also influenced changes in Europe’s own open borders policy. So, it’s important to ask whether this policy serves the best interests of Europe. If open borders are the goal, we need to figure out the right approach to ensure that it doesn’t endanger other interests of the country. This is a complex issue.
Let’s go back to Bulgaria. You have been an ambassador in our country for a year and a half now. What, in your opinion, are our strengths and weaknesses?
– I don’t think I’m in a position to judge. I can tell that I have a very deep affection for Bulgaria. I love the people, the culture, and the natural beauty. I just returned from a three-day visit to Varna, where I got to see the entire coastline. I kept telling everyone I met, “You’re living in a paradise.” The real question is, what will you do with this paradise? Ant this is something only the Bulgarian people can decide.
We have faced some difficulties to implement long-term projects between Israel and Bulgaria without a stable government. We, in Israel, have dealt with a similar situation for several years, so we fully understand the challenges of having interim governments. I truly hope Bulgaria finds the stability needed to fully develop this beautiful country.
In which parts or stages of our country’s water cycle, in your opinion, could Israel help us most effectively?
– In Israel, we live in a desert—60% of our land is desert. Our neighbors, like Jordan, are also desert countries. We have water because we’ve found solutions. As Israel’s population grows, like the Palestinian and Jordanian population, we’ve had to find even more ways to provide water. We understand the importance of water, not just for ourselves but also for our neighbors, as water scarcity has led to conflicts in the past.
Bulgaria should address its water issue before it becomes a crisis. Based on what we’ve heard from Bulgarian experts, water loss due to leaks is a major problem, but it can be solved. We hear a lot of ideas about gaining more water, like desalination, but if the loss is about 70% it means you’re using only 30% of the water available. Use 50% and you wouldn’t have a problem.
We’re happy to share our knowledge and solutions, but it’s up to the Bulgarian government and municipalities to decide how to act. Many stakeholders are involved in water management, from government ministries to local authorities, and they need to work together to find solutions. We’ve learned from our own experience that failing to address such crises can cost lives. Even though Israel is facing a very dry year, we’ve managed because we invested in desalination and alternative sources, instead of relying solely on natural resources. We’re eager to collaborate with Bulgaria to tackle these challenges.
Do you want to share anything beyond the questions or in relation with them?
– The strength of the relationship between Israel and Bulgaria is rooted in centuries of coexistence between Jews and non-Jews here. This history reflects a society built on harmony. Vasil Levski envisioned a Bulgaria where Christians, Turks, and Jews could live together, and Bulgaria achieved that vision. During World War II, many Bulgarians played a crucial role in preventing the deportation of Jews to death camps, saving countless lives—something unique to Bulgaria’s history.
Many descendants of Bulgarian citizens now live in Israel, acting as bridges of friendship between our countries. I feel privileged to serve here, witnessing the strong support of the Bulgarian people for Israel. The number of Israelis visiting Bulgaria is growing, with direct flights between Tel Aviv and Sofia, as well as to Varna, Plovdiv, and Burgas.
The potential for cooperation in trade, culture, and other areas between our nations is vast. I’m honored to be Israel’s ambassador in Bulgaria and look forward to deepening our ties even further.