Herzog Warns of Iranian Nuclear Threat, Cites 'Empire of Evil'

President Isaac Herzog, in an interview with Fox News, addressed several critical security and policy issues, emphasizing the grave threat posed by Iran and its nuclear ambitions. He stated that Iran is an "empire of evil" that threatens the free world and must not be allowed to acquire nuclear capabilities, echoing sentiments previously expressed by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Herzog noted that many regional countries share Israel's concerns about Iran, even if they do not voice them publicly, and that there is a significant, albeit often covert, effort to cooperate and prevent Iran from altering the regional balance of power.

Herzog also discussed the investigation into the "Flydubai" flight incident, which he described as a clear act of terrorism that could have had catastrophic global consequences. He stressed the importance of learning lessons from the event and improving preparedness, noting that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has tasked the National Security Advisor and his team with a thorough investigation into the gaps and failures identified. Israel is cooperating with relevant authorities in neighboring countries, including the UAE, to enhance aviation security.

The President also touched upon the Houthi threat from Yemen, which is disrupting major global shipping lanes through the Bab el-Mandeb strait. He framed this as a challenge to international trade and the global economy, questioning whether the world will permit terrorism and extortion to disrupt these vital routes, linking it to the broader confrontation with Iran.

Reflecting on the three-year anniversary of the October 7th massacre in the Gaza envelope communities, Herzog acknowledged the week of remembrance and pain, but also the necessity of drawing lessons. He recalled his earlier warnings about terrorism destabilizing the region and asserted that Israel did not seek the war, which was imposed upon it by "cruel and barbaric terrorists." He concluded by stating that Israel, through its actions and its soldiers, is defending the West and the entire free world.