President Isaac Herzog recently shared his vision for peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia in an interview with Saudi’s Al Arabiya TV. In a heartfelt conversation from his office in Jerusalem, Herzog expressed his sorrow over the casualties in Gaza, emphasizing that the loss of civilian lives deeply affects him.
Seeking Rapprochement with Saudi Arabia
In addressing Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, Herzog characterized their relationship as one marked by mutual respect. He expressed a strong desire for improved relations, stating that it is a primary goal for Israel to see reconciliation between the two nations. Herzog mentioned his hopes of meeting the Saudi leadership in an official capacity, emphasizing that his dream is to witness peace prevail between Israel and Saudi Arabia through direct negotiations, ideally supported by the United States.
Despite previous negotiations on normalization in 2023, discussions halted abruptly when the recent conflict in Gaza escalated following the Hamas-led attack on October 7. Saudi representatives have consistently maintained that recognizing Israel is contingent upon establishing a path for an independent Palestinian state—something the current Israeli administration does not support.
A Broader Vision for Peace with Neighbors
Herzog’s aspirations extend beyond Saudi Arabia; he envisions peace with Lebanon and Syria as well. Ongoing direct talks between Israel and Lebanon aim to end longstanding hostilities, while Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has shown openness to restoring ties. Despite existing tensions around Israeli military presence in Syria, Herzog expressed a longing for personal connections, stating, “It is my dream to take a car and drive to Beirut. It is my dream to go to Damascus.” He firmly believes the region needs to shift towards peace instead of escalating an arms race.
Herzog warned that Israel’s strategic priority should focus on achieving peace with its neighbors rather than favoring factions that could destabilize the already delicate regional equilibrium. He advocated for a diplomatic approach to resolving conflicts, emphasizing dialogue over military actions.
Reflections on the Regional Conflict
Regarding the broader context of the regional conflict, Herzog remarked on the deterioration of the recent US-Iran memorandum aimed at curbing violence. He stated that negotiating with Iran is fraught with challenges due to its history of non-compliance. While Herzog expressed confidence in US leadership, he voiced concerns about Iran’s behavior, citing it as a key reason for skepticism in potential agreements.
He also extended his sympathy towards innocent Palestinian civilians caught in the turmoil, stating it is never Israel’s intention to harm them. “My heart aches for every innocent Palestinian civilian who is killed,” he noted, underscoring Israel’s desire to see all people in Gaza lead happier lives.
Herzog’s position highlights a complex landscape of regional diplomacy where aspirations for peace coexist with significant geopolitical challenges. By pursuing dialogue with traditional adversaries, he aims to foster stability and hope for a future where coexistence is possible.