President of the State, Isaac Herzog, addressed today (Sunday) in an interview with Fox News about political contacts in the region, Iranian involvement in Lebanon, and Israeli-United States relations.
Referring to the possibility of a political settlement, the President emphasized that Israel is not opposed to a diplomatic solution, but is obligated to raise its legitimate security concerns.
The president said: "We certainly do not oppose a diplomatic outcome to the war, but we raise concerns that are legitimate. A peace agreement between Israel and Lebanon cannot exist if Iran has such great influence and is trying to push itself into the conflict in Lebanon through a well-known terrorist organization called Hezbollah. Iran should not be involved in the crisis in Lebanon at all. The world must stand up to it and make it clear that Iran cannot be involved in Lebanon.".
Regarding relations with the United States, the President emphasized that there is a close, open, and trustworthy dialogue between the two countries at all levels.
"Israel and the United States have a very close relationship based on trust. We can disagree, and raising legitimate concerns is perfectly legitimate, because Israel is on the front lines of this war. We are the ones absorbing Iranian missiles and their proxies, and we are working together with the United States to ensure that Iran does not acquire a nuclear capability and does not become a nuclear brinkman.".
Referring to the future of relations with Lebanon, the president spoke about his recent visit to the northern border and his address to the Lebanese public and leadership in Arabic. "Israel has no territorial ambitions in Lebanon. We have no fundamental disputes with Lebanon. We want peace, and my dream is to take a car and drive all the way to Beirut.".
However, the president emphasized that Hezbollah continues to act against the possibility of peace and to harm the stability of the region.
"How can we reach peace between Israel and Lebanon when Hezbollah is hijacking Lebanon?" the president said. "Hezbollah opposes peace, has repeatedly violated the ceasefire, and is a terrorist organization armed from head to toe by Iran. Someone has to do the job. Unfortunately, it's our soldiers. I don't see anyone else doing it unless a diplomatic solution is reached that makes it clear that Hezbollah is disarmed and can no longer block the path to peace."
The president stressed the importance of dialogue with the United States, "We have a close and good dialogue with the United States. We respect President Trump's efforts and raise legitimate concerns that need to be addressed appropriately.".
