Defense ministers from NATO did not just hear firsthand this Thursday about the atrocities attributed to the Islamist organization Hamas since last weekend. During a video conference with the Israeli counterpart, they were informed about the situation and shown pictures and videos illustrating the actions taken. When the images and videos depicting the consequences of this brutal attack on Israel appeared, they made a strong impression on everyone present, according to the alliance’s secretary general. Jens Stoltenberg did not disclose specifics about the content. Allied nations stood with Israel and expressed solidarity, even as many voices called for proportionality as a guiding principle in the response.
As the conflict evolves, the emphasis remains on protecting civilians. It was openly stated by the allies. Wars have rules, and questions of proportionality are being weighed as several partners condemned Hamas for the violence and cruelty witnessed. The surprise visit by Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, underscored the broad concern across the security landscape.
In addition to condemning the terrorist attacks, allied countries called for the release of all hostages and the protection of all civilians. They warned that no nation or organization should exploit the situation to aggravate the conflict. The Middle East situation is extremely delicate, and there is a real risk that hostile actors will try to take advantage of it, Stoltenberg noted, pointing to potential threats from entities like Hezbollah and other Iranian-aligned groups.
Iran and Hezbollah
Officials stressed that no one should exploit Hamas’s attack to trigger more bloodshed or destabilization. Support for Israel remains firm. Efforts are underway to provide what Israel needs to defend itself, including ammunition and interceptors, while continuing to support the Ukrainian people against Russian aggression. The United States emphasized that it can manage multiple priorities at once, underscoring a coordinated transatlantic approach to security needs.
Despite this warning, Washington asserted that there is currently no conclusive evidence that Hezbollah is intensifying its activities along the Lebanese border. It cannot be definitively said that Iran planned or executed the recent attacks in Israel. Nevertheless, the United States intends to strengthen its presence and support for its partners, including Israel and Ukraine, with no conditions attached to the assistance provided. The leadership on the ground is expected to act professionally and in line with established objectives.
Swedish Accession
Beyond the immediate crisis, defense ministers reviewed NATO missions and operations in the Western Balkans and Iraq, as well as ongoing defense planning. An agreement was reached at the Vilnius summit to continue strengthening alliance activities. Stoltenberg reminded attendees that the alliance will carry on with its annual nuclear exercise, Fixed Noon, a training event scheduled to take place in Italy, Croatia, and the Mediterranean region this year.
Stoltenberg also warned that if the suspected intentional damage to an underwater cable in the Baltic region proves true, it would warrant serious action. Progress on Sweden’s NATO accession was welcomed. Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler conveyed support for finalizing membership, and it is hoped that the Turkish Government will approve it soon. Allied sources express confidence that the process will accelerate in the coming weeks, allowing Sweden to participate in the next NATO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting as a full member of the Alliance.