Israeli President Isaac Herzog: “We Did Not Want This War”

Israeli President Isaac Herzog conveyed on Sunday that Israel did not desire the current conflict with Hezbollah, emphasizing that recent military actions were necessary in response to anticipated threats. In an interview on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” he explained that prior to Israel’s strikes resulting in the death of a senior Hezbollah commander, there were indications that the group was planning an attack.

Herzog expressed, “We did not want this war. We’re not seeking war. This war was waged upon us by the proxies of the empire of evil of Iran, on Oct. 7 by Hamas, and on Oct. 8 by Hezbollah.” His comments follow a surge in violence between Israel and Lebanon, marked by significant exchanges of fire in the days leading up to the interview.

Israeli airstrikes on Friday targeted a key Hezbollah leader, Ibrahim Aqil, among others, representing the deadliest assault on Beirut since the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. This escalation has fueled further tensions, particularly as Hezbollah has threatened reprisals following numerous deadly incidents attributed to explosive devices. While Israel has not assumed responsibility for the recent attacks, the situation continues to escalate.

In addressing the broader implications of the conflict, Herzog stated, “The world has to be with” Israel. He appealed for global solidarity amid the crisis, asserting, “This is the real watershed in the world.” According to Herzog, international support is vital for Israel to combat these threats, which he framed as a challenge to the free world. He stressed the urgency of returning hostages held by Hamas, noting that the plight of these individuals represents a critical humanitarian issue at this time.

Since Hamas’ surprise attack on October 7, the tit-for-tat exchanges between Hezbollah and Israel have become a regular occurrence. However, the confrontations have primarily occurred in less populated regions of Lebanon. Herzog conveyed a desire for resolution, saying that Israel finds itself trapped in a continuous cycle of conflict, referring to it as a “vicious cycle.” He indicated, “We want to get out of this vicious cycle, and if we have no choice, then we’re getting ready for escalation.” His remarks highlight the precarious nature of the current situation and the potential for increased violence.

On the matter of the hostages taken by Hamas, Herzog expressed concerns over the lack of positive developments. He noted that there had been no promising signs from Hamas regarding the return of the 101 captives, including four Americans. Despite this grim assessment, he sees the ongoing crisis, which he described as “boiling hot,” as an opportunity to initiate change. He urged for efforts to find a viable solution to bring the hostages back home safely.

As tensions remain high, Herzog’s statements reflect the complexities of the current geopolitical landscape, particularly concerning Israel’s security and the pressures it faces from various militant groups in the region. His call for international support underscores the belief that the ramifications of this conflict extend beyond the immediate area, affecting global stability and security.

As the conflict continues to unfold, the situation remains fluid, with potential implications for both regional and international relations. The urgent need for dialogue and resolution is evident, as the humanitarian concerns surrounding hostages and ongoing violence persist. The world watches closely, anticipating the next developments in this ongoing crisis.

Source: CBS News