In Light of Israel's Crisis, Bulgaria Remembers the 2012 Burgas Bombing Linked to Hezbollah

Elena Poptodorova, Bulgaria's former ambassador to the United States, emphasized the historical risks the country has faced, in light of recent events in Israel, recalling that Bulgaria was a target of an attack organized by Hezbollah in 2012. During an appearance on NOVA NEWS TV, she stated, "No other nation has experienced targeted annihilation attacks like Israel. We Bulgarians must remember our own past, as the attack at Burgas airport is a painful reminder. The danger is not diminishing; it is, in fact, increasing."

Poptodorova advocated for heightened preparedness to thwart potential threats, noting, "We always start with national measures; each country will implement similar protocols." She pointed out that the timing of the attack appears strategic, coinciding with the approach of the New Year in Israel, which typically draws large crowds to the streets.

She further explained that Israel has no choice but to act decisively, asserting that its military operations aim to protect citizens on two fronts. "Netanyahu will not halt military actions until a sanitary buffer is established in the north," Poptodorova stated.

In contrast, former Deputy Minister of Defense Yordan Bozhilov expressed skepticism about the conflict escalating further at this stage. He highlighted the presence of over a million Syrian refugees in Lebanon and a significant number of Palestinians, stating, "Whether they will move to Bulgaria or Europe depends on several factors, including Turkey's actions. Terrorists could also infiltrate these migrant flows," he cautioned.

Bozhilov acknowledged that Israel will respond to Iran's assault but noted that the nature of this response is uncertain. He remarked that Russia's reaction...