President Isaac Herzog in a compelling interview with Al Arabiya

Herzog: Iran an "Empire of Evil," Calls for Post-Hamas Plan in Gaza

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The Judean Staff
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In an extensive and candid interview with Al-Arabiya News, President Isaac Herzog laid bare Israel’s unwavering stance on some of the most pressing issues confronting the Middle East. Speaking on the solemn occasion of the first anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack, Herzog touched on the delicate balance of safeguarding Israel's security while striving for regional peace, with Gaza, Iran, and Hezbollah dominating the conversation.

A Defiant Stand Against Iran: The "Empire of Evil"

Herzog wasted no time in branding Iran as the regional villain, forcefully labeling the Islamic Republic an “empire of evil” that has relentlessly sought to destabilize the Middle East through its extensive network of proxies. From Hamas in Gaza to Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen, Herzog described how Tehran’s influence radiates through these militant organizations, sowing discord not only across Israel’s borders but also on the international stage.

Herzog did not shy away from dramatizing the Iranian threat, reminding the world that Iran is uniquely the only nation on earth that calls for the "eradication" of another U.N. member state. In the president’s view, this underscores the existential threat Israel faces. “Iran’s tentacles are everywhere,” Herzog warned, citing as an example the disruption of vital global shipping routes in the Red Sea, which has broader implications for international security. For Israel, the danger is clear and present, and the world cannot afford to stand idly by.

Israel’s Conduct in Gaza: A Firm Defense

With the eyes of the world increasingly on Israel's military operations in Gaza, Herzog robustly defended the country’s actions. Acknowledging the growing scrutiny, the president was unrelenting in his assertion that Israel has adhered strictly to international humanitarian law. He emphasized that Israel’s moral compass is intact, with any allegations of misconduct by its soldiers being met with thorough investigations and appropriate legal consequences.

“We stand by our duty to protect our people,” Herzog said, brushing aside external criticism as largely unfounded. He reiterated Israel’s right to defend itself while recognizing the immense suffering endured by innocent Palestinian civilians—pain, he stressed, that could be traced directly to Hamas. “Hamas uses schools, hospitals, and residential areas as cover for its terror activities,” Herzog charged, placing the blame squarely at the feet of the terror organization. “While we mourn for all civilian casualties, we cannot ignore the fact that Hamas has turned Gaza into a launchpad for endless attacks.”

A New Vision for Gaza: Beyond the Conflict

Looking toward the future, Herzog underscored the necessity of planning for a “day after” scenario for Gaza—an era post-Hamas. He expressed cautious optimism about involving regional Arab leaders in crafting a better future for both Israelis and Gazans, with an emphasis on sustainable peace and prosperity. He lamented how Hamas’s takeover of Gaza in 2007 had derailed a once-promising vision of the coastal enclave blossoming into a prosperous economic hub akin to Hong Kong. “We had a dream of turning Gaza into the Hong Kong of the Middle East,” Herzog reflected, “but that dream was snatched away by Hamas.”

The president’s forward-looking perspective was not merely about hope—it came with a call for action. Herzog proposed the establishment of a “NATO-like structure” to combat extremism and radicalism across the region. This, he believed, could serve as the bedrock for a regional alliance that promotes security, development, and lasting peace. Herzog singled out Israel’s growing cooperation with moderate Arab states as a model for what could be achieved when the region unites against common threats. He also referenced President Joe Biden’s ambitious connectivity plan for the Middle East, an initiative Herzog expressed confidence in, despite it being overshadowed by recent violence.

Northern Tensions: Hezbollah and the Lebanon Threat

Turning to the ongoing tension on Israel’s northern border with Lebanon, Herzog offered no apologies for the recent Israeli airstrike that killed senior Hezbollah commander Wissam Al-Tawil. He revealed that the operation had effectively thwarted an impending attack, reminiscent of Hamas’s October 7 assault. “Hezbollah sought to replicate the horrors we saw a year ago, but we acted swiftly to prevent it,” Herzog declared.

Hezbollah’s continued violations of international resolutions, coupled with its aggressive posturing, have placed Lebanon in grave danger, according to Herzog. “Lebanon is on the brink, and Hezbollah is holding it hostage,” he stated bluntly, illustrating how the militant group’s reckless behavior jeopardizes not only Israel but Lebanon itself.

The Iranian Missile Strike: A New Frontier of Provocation

As if tensions were not already at a breaking point, Iran’s missile attack on Israel just days prior added fuel to an already smoldering fire. Herzog described the missile strike as “extremely unpleasant,” although he refrained from divulging specific details about Israel’s response. Yet, his message was clear: Israel will not be deterred. “We are in constant dialogue with our American allies, and all options are on the table,” Herzog said, implying that a coordinated response with the U.S. may already be in the works.

The missile attack was yet another reminder of the delicate and volatile nature of the region. Herzog’s focus remained on the broader implications of Iranian aggression, which, in his view, necessitates immediate and decisive international intervention. Israel, he assured, would continue to stand as a bulwark against terror, not just for itself but for the entire civilized world.

A Regional Future Shaped by Cooperation and Strength

Herzog closed the interview by reiterating his belief that Israel's security is deeply intertwined with that of the broader region. He envisioned a Middle East bound not by conflict but by collaboration—a region where Israel and its Arab neighbors unite against extremism, terrorism, and destabilizing forces like Iran. With diplomatic ties strengthening between Israel and moderate Arab nations, Herzog sees this vision as not just a dream but an achievable reality.

While the path ahead is fraught with challenges, Herzog’s message was one of resilience and hope, offering a glimpse into a future where the Middle East is defined by cooperation and mutual prosperity, rather than conflict. The world, he seemed to suggest, must not only stand with Israel but join it in the fight for peace.

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