Israeli president condemns Iran as "empire of evil" amid missile attack fallout

In an interview with Al-Arabiya News, Israeli President Isaac Herzog described Iran's recent missile attack on Israel as "extremely unpleasant" but stopped short of discussing potential retaliatory measures.

He stressed that Israel remains in close consultation with the United States on strategic and operational matters, Caliber.Az reports via Israeli media.

The discussion touched on the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the growing tensions with Iran, and Herzog’s broader vision for the Middle East.

Marking the first anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack, Herzog reiterated Israel’s commitment to maintaining regional stability while defending its military actions in Gaza. He was particularly forceful in his condemnation of Iran, repeatedly referring to it as an "empire of evil." Herzog accused Tehran of stoking regional conflicts through its proxies, including Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen.

He warned that Iran’s activities not only endanger Israel but pose a global threat, pointing to disruptions in international shipping in the Red Sea.

"Iran is the only country in the world calling for the annihilation of another United Nations member state," he said, highlighting the existential threat faced by Israel.

In response to questions about shifting international perceptions of Israel, Herzog defended his country’s military actions in Gaza. He insisted that Israel strictly follows international humanitarian law and investigates any instances of alleged misconduct by its soldiers.

He also acknowledged the suffering of Palestinian civilians but attributed the blame to Hamas, accusing the group of using civilian infrastructure to conceal weapons and launch attacks.

"We sympathise with the suffering of our neighbours," Herzog said, "but we also have the right to defend ourselves."

Looking forward, Herzog called for a "day after" plan for Gaza and expressed hope that regional leaders would play a role in shaping a better future for both Palestinians and Israelis. He lamented the derailment of Israel’s 2005 disengagement from Gaza, which had been intended to foster economic prosperity, only for it to be undermined by Hamas’s rise to power.

Herzog also advocated for a "NATO-like structure" in the Middle East to combat radicalism and promote peace. He spoke of potential cooperation between Israel and moderate Arab states, referencing a connectivity plan proposed by US President Joe Biden before the October 7 Hamas attack.

Addressing recent tensions on Israel’s northern border, Herzog defended the strike that killed senior Hezbollah commander Wissam Al-Tawil, which he said had foiled plans for an "October 7-style invasion from Lebanon." He accused Hezbollah of violating international resolutions and endangering Lebanon’s security.

Despite ongoing hostilities, Herzog refrained from elaborating on how Israel might respond to Iran's missile attack, pointing instead to continued diplomatic dialogue with the United States.

By Aghakazim Guliyev