Israel's President Herzog Recalls Congress Speech Ahead of October 7th

President Isaac Herzog recalled his July 2023 address to the U.S. Congress in a recent interview with Fox News, stating that just three months before the October 7th Hamas attacks, he warned that terrorism was undermining the region's future peace. He emphasized that Israel did not seek the war, which was imposed upon it by "cruel and barbaric terrorists." Herzog asserted that Israel, through its actions, is defending the West and the entire free world.

During the interview, Herzog also addressed the investigation into the Flydubai incident, suggesting clear evidence of a terrorist attack that could have had global repercussions. He noted that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had announced that the National Security Advisor and his team would thoroughly investigate the event to identify gaps and failures. Herzog stressed the need for enhanced cooperation with neighboring countries, including the UAE, particularly in aviation, as more information comes to light.

Turning to Iran, Herzog reiterated his view that the country is an "evil empire" threatening the free world and that it must not be allowed any access to nuclear capabilities. He aligned with former President Donald Trump's assessment of the Iranian regime's "jihadist ideology" and its global ambitions. Herzog also highlighted the threat posed by the Houthis in Yemen, who are disrupting global trade routes through the Bab el-Mandeb strait, impacting economies worldwide. He framed the confrontation with Iran as essential, questioning whether the world would succumb to terror, harassment, and extortion.

President Herzog also marked the upcoming third anniversary of the October 7th massacre, describing it as a period of immense suffering, pain, sorrow, and memory, but also a time for drawing lessons. He called for a united fight against terrorism.