'Iran offers destruction. We are offering hope,' Israeli President Herzog says in interview on Saudi TV

In a groundbreaking interview with the Saudi outlet Al Arabiya ahead of the one-year mark since the Hamas terrorist attack against Israel, Israeli President Isaac Herzog addressed some of the most pressing issues facing the nation and the broader Middle East, including the ongoing conflict with Iran and the future of Gaza.

The interview on Sunday, originally broadcast in English and Arabic, was considered a significant occasion in regional diplomacy, as Herzog spoke directly to the Lebanese and Iranian people, making a strong appeal for them to stand against their governments’ oppressive regimes.

Herzog called for unity in confronting what he referred to as Iran’s “empire of evil,” emphasizing that the only way to a better future was through collective action against the forces of destruction. He reminded them: “We are all the children of Abraham, and I call upon the people of Lebanon, the people of Iran, the people of all of the oppressed nations in the region, to rise up and understand that if we move this empire of evil, if we confront it and be tough together, we surely can hope for a better future.”

Herzog said the Iranian regime is the greatest threat to the region. He pointed out that the rogue nation is “the only country in the world who calls for the eradication of another UN member state.”

For Israel, this poses an existential danger, not only for Israel but to the international community. “Iran offers destruction. We are offering hope,” Herzog declared, reiterating Israel’s commitment to defending its people while striving for peace in the region.

Herzog also touched on the painful realities of the ongoing conflict with Hamas initiated by the atrocities committed by the group on Oct. 7, 2023.

Reflecting on the emotional impact the violence has taken on Israel, he said, “We are not dealing with revenge and retaliation. We are first dealing with a lot of pain and agony.”

Herzog acknowledged that there is widespread suffering on both sides but emphasized that Hamas’s actions have left Israel with no other choice than to defend itself.

“We have 101 hostages still in the dungeons of Gaza, in immense suffering.”

Acknowledging the intense, and often unbalanced scrutiny of Israel’s military operations in Gaza and the Middle East, Herzog unwaveringly defended Israel’s commitment to adhere to international law, reaffirming that the need for self-defense drives the country’s actions.

“It’s unbelievably annoying when you see this in Gaza or in southern Lebanon,” he said, referring to Hamas and Hezbollah forces who have been launching attacks on Israel from civilian areas.

Herzog underscored that the State of Israel cares deeply about the welfare of its neighbors.

“I care, I deeply care. We care, we care for the pain of our neighbors,” the Israeli president said.

With a hopeful view toward the future, Herzog said it was essential to begin planning for the “day after” scenario in Gaza, a day when both Israelis and Palestinians will be able to enjoy their lives in peace.

He expressed optimism about regional leaders willing to work together to achieve lasting change.

“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.”