President Herzog: 'Diplomatic solution' remains Israel's goal, but US response to Iran must be 'firm and clear'

Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Thursday said that Israel remains committed to pursuing a diplomatic solution to the ongoing conflict with the Islamic Republic of Iran, while expressing support for U.S. military action against the Iranian regime.

“I believe in a diplomatic solution to the conflict,” Herzog told the Al Arabiya English news outlet. “I think this is absolutely what needs to be done, and I actually know that this is the clear Israeli position.”

At the same time, Herzog said he was “not surprised” by the current military clashes between the United States and Iran, arguing that Tehran and its proxies have repeatedly violated international agreements and threatened regional stability.

The U.S. military has in recent days expanded its strikes on Iranian targets, citing Tehran’s actions in the region, including efforts to restrict access to the Strait of Hormuz, attacks on commercial vessels and threats against neighboring countries.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced earlier this week that American forces had struck “Iranian command centers, air defense sites, missile and drone capabilities, and coastal surveillance facilities to further degrade Iran's ability to threaten innocent mariners crewing commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.”

The Iranian regime responded with missile attacks on U.S. military bases in the region and expanded strikes against several Arab countries, including Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan and Syria.

While reiterating his support for diplomacy, Herzog also explained why he believes the U.S. military response against Iran was justified.

“I’m happy that the American reaction is firm and clear, so that everybody understands, especially the Iranians, that they cannot goof around here,” he told the news outlet. Herzog stressed that the regime must get “back on track” if it wants to pursue a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.

Herzog said it was too early to draw definitive conclusions about the conflict, adding that diplomacy could still prevail despite ongoing U.S. military strikes. He described Tehran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz as “blackmail” and accused the regime of “extorting” the international community.

Israel has not participated in ongoing U.S.-Iran diplomatic talks. However, Tehran has sought to link the negotiations to Israel’s military campaign against the Hezbollah terror group in Lebanon, demanding an end to Israeli operations and the withdrawal of Israeli forces. Israel says its presence in southern Lebanon is necessary to protect Israel's northern communities from attacks.

Trump has reportedly urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to withdraw Israeli forces from Syria and Lebanon as part of efforts to reach a deal with Iran. Israel has said it has no territorial ambitions in either country but will maintain its presence as long as it faces security threats.