At a heated news conference with international reporters on Thursday at his official residence in Jerusalem, Israeli President Isaac Herzog reacted aggressively to many inquiries regarding the military’s ongoing airstrikes in Gaza.
According to international law, collectively punishing a civilian population is a war crime, according to CNN’s Becky Anderson. Israel has been notified by the US to adhere to the laws of war.
I’m disappointed; that’s what you’re asking right now, Herzog said in response. Have you not noticed? You witnessed. You all were present. You witnessed. So we’re starting to talk about war crimes now? Really? Truly?
“I merely mentioned that Israel complies with and conducts its affairs in accordance with international law. Every operation is protected, covered, and legally examined. I sincerely believe that this is completely out of context, with all due respect, the president remarked. Herzog also got into a heated argument with Channel 4 journalist Matt Frei. Frei was interrupted by Herzog when he suggested that Herzog held Gazan civilians accountable for Hamas and hence deemed them justifiable targets.
The president refuted saying that. “With the utmost respect, am I permitted to protect myself if you have a missile in your goddamn kitchen and you want to shoot it at me? Yes. That is the circumstance.
These missiles are present, said Herzog. A button has been pressed. The launch of the missile occurs.
The projectile emerges from the kitchen and strikes my kids. Frei then inquired as to the post-war strategy. In response, Herzog referred to the cross-border mass incursion on October 7 that resulted in the deaths of over 1,300 Israelis, over 3,000 injuries, and at least 100 kidnappings. “We have to make sure that Hamas is not able to repeat this again,” Herzog said.
“I see countries battling terrorism—many good countries. They combat terrorism. We are waging war on terror. The question for humanity is whether to support or combat terror,”, declared the president.
“We are battling terrorism, and we witnessed the worst tragedy imaginable committed by a force that has received significant backing from our neighbors.
A lot of individuals hold this belief,” he continued. I acknowledge that many innocent Palestinians disagree with this position, but sadly, there are rockets firing at us from inside their homes, at my young ones, and at Israel as a whole,” the president added.
“We must protect ourselves. It’s time for the world to realize that we have every legal right to do so. The tragedy of deploying terror is that it shows no pity, according to Herzog.
JOIN US ON WHAT'SAPP, TO GET INSTANT STATUS UPDATES AND BE IN THE KNOW.
CLICK HERE
