In a strongly worded statement on social media platform “X,” Israeli President Isaac Herzog emphasized Israel’s commitment to defending its citizens while highlighting the dangers posed by Hizballah’s tactics of using civilian areas to store and launch rockets. His post, which comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and the Iranian-backed Lebanese group, reflects the severity of the threat Israel faces as the conflict escalates.
“I repeat and reiterate: Israel does not seek war. But we have the right and the duty to defend our people,” Herzog wrote. Accompanying his statement was a video from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), illustrating how Hizballah stores missiles in densely populated civilian neighborhoods, using homes, living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens as launch sites for their attacks. According to the footage, Hizballah has stockpiled thousands of long-range rockets in residential areas, heightening the risk of civilian casualties in any potential conflict.
Herzog questioned whether any other nation would tolerate such a threat from its neighbors, asking, “Would you accept this in your or your neighbor’s home?” He continued by challenging the international community: “What nation would accept its citizens living under such a threat from its neighbors?”
This public statement from the Israeli President underscores Israel’s position in the ongoing conflict with Hizballah. It frames the actions of the militant group as not only a threat to Israel’s security but also as a flagrant violation of the norms of warfare by endangering civilian lives. Israel has long criticized Hizballah for its strategy of embedding military assets within civilian infrastructure, which complicates efforts to neutralize the threat without causing harm to non-combatants.
Herzog’s statement also aligns with Israel’s broader diplomatic messaging aimed at rallying international support and understanding of the security challenges it faces. As the conflict escalates, Israel continues to balance its military objectives with the need to minimize harm to civilians, even as it confronts adversaries who, according to the IDF, deliberately blur the lines between military and civilian targets.
Herzog’s post is a reminder of the growing tension in the region and Israel’s resolve to defend its citizens against an increasingly sophisticated and emboldened Hizballah. The President’s direct appeal to the global audience seeks to highlight the difficult choices Israel must make to protect its people while calling for recognition of the dangers posed by Hizballah’s actions.–News Desk