Israeli President Isaac Herzog has issued a compelling appeal for European nations to endorse Israel’s military campaign against Hezbollah, characterizing the current conflict as a pivotal historical moment in Middle Eastern geopolitics. In an exclusive interview with AFP conducted at his Jerusalem residence, Herzog emphasized that European support is crucial for achieving regional stability.
The Israeli military confirmed the initiation of limited ground operations in southern Lebanon on Monday, targeting Hezbollah’s infrastructure in response to sustained rocket attacks. This escalation follows Hezbollah’s March 2 offensive against Israel, which the group claims was retaliation for the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint US-Israeli airstrikes.
Herzog articulated a clear position: “Europe should support any effort, any effort, to eradicate Hezbollah now. They should understand that if you want to get anywhere, sometimes you need to win war.” The Israeli president simultaneously welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron’s proposal to host direct negotiations between Israeli and Lebanese officials in Paris, acknowledging it as a “very positive development” while stressing that diplomatic engagement must coincide with military action.
The humanitarian impact has been severe, with Lebanese authorities reporting over one million internally displaced persons within two weeks of intensified hostilities. Israeli airstrikes have targeted Hezbollah positions throughout southern Lebanon and Beirut, though the Lebanese government contends these operations have caused significant civilian casualties, with the death toll approaching 900 according to their records.
Herzog expressed skepticism about the Lebanese army’s capacity to disarm Hezbollah, noting “they have their limitations” despite international obligations. The president framed the broader conflict with Iran as a generational struggle, asserting that “we are at a historical juncture” where Tehran’s influence must be curtailed to ensure regional security.
He further argued that European national security interests align with defeating Iran’s clerical regime, citing concerns about Iran’s ballistic missile program potentially threatening European territories. Herzog called for international cooperation rather than criticism, asking “Where is the whole world? Rather than all the time criticizing Israel, let’s help us. Let’s help the Americans bring a real change so that there will be a different future in the region.”