President Herzog Calls Gaza Disarmament Deal a Potential Breakthrough If Realized

Israeli President Isaac Herzog discussed several key issues in a recent interview with Fox News, including the dismissal of the ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan amid sexual harassment allegations. Herzog revealed that Khan was scheduled to visit Israel to meet experts and leaders, including Herzog himself, to understand the Israeli reality. However, Khan filed arrest warrants against Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Galant, on the day of his planned departure, which Herzog described as a distraction from Khan's own misconduct. Herzog emphasized the importance of supporting women who come forward with MeToo allegations and called on the ICC to drop the case against Israel, warning against falling for Khan's alleged deceit.

On Israel-US relations, Herzog praised the strong cooperation and friendship, highlighting former President Trump’s role in securing the release of 255 hostages held by Hamas after October 7. Herzog also condemned New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani for antisemitic rhetoric and warned that such attitudes endanger public safety, referencing a recent stabbing of an Orthodox Jew in New York.

Regarding Iran, Herzog labeled the regime a longstanding global threat, accusing it of funding terrorism worldwide and promoting a dangerous ideology that rejects all other religions, including moderate Islam. He pointed to Iran’s missile program, activities near the Strait of Hormuz, nuclear ambitions, internal repression, and support for regional terror proxies as evidence of the threat it poses to global stability.

On the Gaza situation, Herzog described the proposed Hamas disarmament plan as a potential breakthrough if it materializes. He noted that the 20-point plan by President Trump was approved by the UN Security Council and stressed that Hamas cannot continue to control Gaza or use it as a base for terrorism. Herzog concluded that Gaza’s residents deserve a better future, which requires them to disarm Hamas and move toward peace and security for both Gazans and Israelis.