In a recent interview with the BBC, Israeli President Isaac Herzog strongly defends Israel’s military operations in Gaza. He acknowledges the tragic loss of civilian lives and expresses that no one wants innocent women and children to pay the price. However, he highlights the necessity of fighting against a bitter enemy that has carried out shocking atrocities. Herzog argues that Israel has made significant efforts to reduce civilian casualties and prioritize the safety of its citizens.
Herzog addresses the criticism regarding the high number of civilian deaths, particularly women and children. He claims that the primary responsibility of the Israeli government is to protect its citizens from terrorists who continuously attempt to attack the nation. Israel has designated Hamas, the group responsible for launching unprecedented attacks on southern Israel, as a terrorist organization. Furthermore, Herzog accuses Hamas of firing rockets from inside people’s homes, which forces Israel to respond and take action to neutralize the threat.
While Israel’s Arab neighbors, including countries that have signed peace treaties with the Jewish state, have expressed concerns about escalating civilian casualties in Gaza, Herzog states that Israel takes their opinions into account but prioritizes its citizens above all else. He dismisses claims that Israel is not exercising caution, highlighting the close communication between Israel and its closest ally, the United States, as well as the UK and other Western allies to coordinate humanitarian aid efforts for Gaza.
Regarding reports of Israel targeting Gaza’s hospitals, Herzog strongly denies the allegations, asserting that hospitals themselves would never be targeted. He explains that Israel has been following the rules of international law when urging people to move to designated safe zones. However, he acknowledges the difficulty of the situation, with more than a million Gazans fleeing to the south after being repeatedly warned by Israel to leave the northern part of the territory.
Herzog also emphasizes that bringing home the more than 200 hostages, including individuals from various nationalities, held by Hamas is a top priority for both Israel and the international community. However, he expresses disappointment in the lack of substantial proposals during the intense negotiations mediated by Qatar.
The president opens up about the emotional impact of the conflict on the Israeli people, describing the nation’s deep agony and mourning. He acknowledges that this traumatic experience has caused Israelis to question their beliefs and their trust in others. The future of Gaza remains uncertain, with Herzog acknowledging the ongoing psychological and emotional debate within Israel.
In conclusion, Israeli President Isaac Herzog staunchly defends his country’s military operations in Gaza while expressing concern for civilian casualties. He stresses the necessity of countering a bitter enemy responsible for shocking atrocities. Herzog highlights Israel’s efforts to minimize civilian casualties and protect its citizens, while also addressing the concerns and opinions of neighboring countries. He refutes allegations of targeting hospitals and emphasizes the importance of bringing home the hostages held by Hamas. Israel’s profound trauma and questioning of trust greatly impact the nation’s perception of the future.
