Portrait of Isaac Herzog
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Isaac Herzog on Gaza

Defends actions against Hamas (strong)

TL;DR

Isaac Herzog asserts Israel has the right and duty to defend itself against Hamas, emphasizing military action adheres to international law.

Key Points

  • He accused residents of the Gaza Strip of collective responsibility for the Hamas attack in October 2023.

  • The President condemned the International Criminal Court's warrants against Israeli leaders in November 2024, asserting the court ignored Hamas's use of human shields.

  • In October 2025, the UN Secretary-General spoke with him to welcome the release of the remaining live Israeli hostages from Gaza.

Summary

Israeli President Isaac Herzog's position on Gaza is defined by his unwavering support for Israel's military campaign against Hamas, which he views as necessary self-defense against an 'empire of evil.' He stated that the residents of the Gaza Strip bear responsibility because Hamas, which he describes as the governing 'evil regime,' operates from within the civilian population, although he has clarified that he does not consider all Gazans legitimate military targets. The President has repeatedly asserted that Israel operates militarily according to the rules of international law, countering accusations of indiscriminate warfare and genocide by labeling such claims as a '21st-century blood libel.'

His stance has been a subject of international controversy, particularly regarding his initial comments suggesting collective responsibility among the population for the October 7 atrocities, comments he later clarified or qualified as referring to Hamas-run Gaza rather than all Palestinians. Following a UN call for the release of remaining hostages from Gaza, the Secretary-General of the United Nations spoke with Herzog to welcome the development in October 2025. The President also condemned the International Criminal Court's arrest warrants against top Israeli officials, arguing the court ignored Hamas's use of human shields and Israel's duty to defend its people.

Frequently Asked Questions

Isaac Herzog strongly supports Israel's military action, framing it as a necessary act of self-defense against the militant group Hamas. He asserts that the military operations are conducted according to international law, despite international criticism. The President views the conflict as a fight against terror that humanity must confront.

The position of Isaac Herzog has seen clarification rather than a complete reversal. He initially suggested collective responsibility for the population but later clarified he did not mean all civilians are legitimate targets. He insists that Israel takes legal steps to avoid civilian casualties while fighting Hamas embedded within the population.

Isaac Herzog has vehemently rejected the genocide case brought against Israel at the International Court of Justice. He described the accusations as a 'blood libel' against Jews. The President argues that the legal challenges ignore Israel's right to defend itself against barbarous attacks.