Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines, Dana Kursh, renewed calls for peace and de-escalation in the Middle East, warning that escalating tensions involving Iran are already impacting global stability and economies, including the Philippines.

During a media brunch she hosted on April 23, Kursh said Israel remains hopeful that ongoing diplomatic efforts, including talks in Islamabad, will result in a ceasefire and long-term stability. “We need to see that this ceasefire will lead us in the right direction,” she said.

While underscoring the urgent need to resolve the situation, Kursh stressed that any solution must be long-term.

“God willing, we are hoping for this situation to de-escalate,” Kursh said. “Israel does not want to escalate the situation. We want peace. We want these talks to be successful,” she added.

Kursh explained that the target of the parallel operations of the United States and Israel is not the Iranian people, but the regime, which she described as the “cause” of these problems. “We know that this Iranian regime is vicious,” she added.

“If we talk about success, it has two sides: one is economic stability, and the second is removing the Iranian regime’s threat—its nuclear capabilities, ballistic missiles, and funding for terrorism. We have to do it together,” she said.

The envoy pointed to Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz as a key driver of rising oil prices.

“We are hoping and praying for peace that will provide stability in affected countries like the Philippines,” she said, noting that economic ripple effects from the conflict are being felt far beyond the region.

Kursh criticized Iran for “blocking” the Strait of Hormuz, which she said is driving up oil prices. “It should be open to everyone,” she added.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global shipping route for oil, and any disruption can significantly affect fuel costs worldwide, including in the Philippines, which relies heavily on imported energy.

The Israeli envoy reiterated concerns over Iran’s military capabilities, including nuclear development and ballistic missile programs, as well as alleged support for militant groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah.

She said joint military coordination efforts—such as “Epic Fury” led by the United States and Israel’s “Roaring Lion”—aim to counter these threats.

“The goal is to prevent the Iranian regime from acquiring nuclear weapons, developing ballistic missiles, and funding terrorist organizations,” Kursh said.

Kursh emphasized that the crisis has global implications, particularly for the Philippines, which has over two million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Middle East.

“Each and every one of us is affected… especially with over two million OFWs in the region,” she said.

She also expressed condolences over the deaths of Filipinos in Israel, assuring continued support for the victims’ families. “We would like to stay in their lives for as long as they want us to,” Kursh said.

Despite ongoing tensions, Kursh stressed that Israel does not seek escalation and remains committed to peace.

“We want these talks to succeed,” she said. “Success means economic stability and removing threats—nuclear, ballistic, and terrorism,” she added.

Kursh emphasized that a lasting ceasefire must address the root causes of instability. “God willing, these talks will move in a positive direction and lead us to a safer and more stable world,” she added.

Kursh also highlighted what she described as a “historic” diplomatic development: for the first time in over 20 years, Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors are holding direct talks in Washington, D.C.

She expressed optimism that these negotiations could pave the way for improved relations between Israel and Lebanon. “The dream of every Israeli diplomat is to be involved in peacemaking,” she said. “We are hoping this will move us closer to peace in the region,” Kursh added.