In a historic interview with Al Arabiya, broadcast in both English and Arabic, Israeli President Isaac Herzog made an impassioned appeal to the people of the Middle East, particularly the oppressed citizens of Iran and Lebanon, urging them to rise up against what he referred to as the “empire of evil”—Iran and its proxies. The interview, conducted by senior news anchor Riz Kahn, marked a significant moment of outreach by Israel, ahead of the one-year anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas terror attacks. Herzog emphasized that the conflict in the region is not merely a clash of nations but a battle between hope and destruction.
Addressing the ongoing regional strife, Herzog noted that Iran remains the only country in the world openly calling for the eradication of another United Nations member state—Israel. “Iran offers destruction. We are offering hope,” Herzog declared, urging nations oppressed by Iran to confront the regime in order to secure a better future. He called for unity in the region to form a structure akin to NATO, designed to block radicalism and create lasting peace.
Herzog also reflected on the pain that Israel has endured as a result of continued terror attacks from Hamas and Hezbollah, two of Iran’s most prominent proxies. He shared his personal anguish over the hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza and described the war Israel has been forced to fight on both its northern and southern fronts. “We are fighting in Gaza and Lebanon, trying to change the equation and bring hope for the people of the Middle East,” Herzog said.
The President pointed to the region’s current instability as a “golden opportunity” for regional powers to unite for peace and security. He expressed a vision for the “day after” the conflict, focusing on rebuilding a peaceful and prosperous Gaza Strip, where the people of Gaza and Israel could coexist as neighbors with mutual respect. However, Herzog cautioned that this vision would require bold leadership and cooperation from regional actors, who must be willing to take significant steps forward.
Responding to international criticism of Israel’s defense strategies, Herzog stressed Israel’s adherence to international humanitarian law while underscoring the difficult position the nation finds itself in. He highlighted the challenges posed by militants launching attacks from civilian areas in Gaza and Lebanon, which force Israel into complex defensive operations. “We care for the pain of our neighbors, but we have the right to defend ourselves,” he said, reiterating Israel’s moral and legal obligations to protect its citizens from missile attacks.
Herzog also addressed the broader global perspective, noting the relentless attacks on Israel in international legal forums and public opinion. However, he emphasized that Israel’s strength lies in its democratic values and its commitment to peace, citing the country’s diverse population of Jews, Muslims, Christians, Druze, and Circassians living together.
The interview was broadcast in the context of ongoing tensions with Iran, following a massive Iranian missile attack on Israel just last week. When asked about Israel’s potential response, Herzog maintained that all strategic options were being carefully considered. He condemned Iran’s leadership for choosing to invest in war and destruction, rather than offering its people the opportunity to create a brighter future. “We either offer hope for hope, or we go for destruction. Iran offers destruction. We are offering hope,” he emphasized.
In closing, Herzog expressed his desire for a future in which the younger generations of both Israel and Gaza can live peacefully side by side. “The people in the Gaza Strip deserve a better future as neighbors of ours, and we deserve a better day and better future as their neighbors. It’s possible. It’s feasible,” Herzog concluded, expressing optimism that regional leaders could be part of a historic transformation toward lasting peace in the Middle East.–News Desk