Israeli President Herzog Calls on Lebanese Leader Aoun to Reject Hezbollah and Iran Influence
Israeli President Isaac Herzog issued a video statement in English and Arabic calling on Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to free Lebanon from Hezbollah and Iranian influence, saying peace between the nations is possible. Aoun had recently criticized both Hezbollah and Iran in a CNN interview, stating Lebanese people are "fed up" with war and that Iran uses Lebanon for its own interests. Herzog emphasized Israel's right to self-defense and said a clear security arrangement is necessary before moving forward.
During a tour of northern Israel, President Isaac Herzog released a video message addressing Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and the Lebanese people, calling for them to reject Hezbollah and Iranian influence as a path to peace. Herzog stated that Israelis support peace with Lebanon and expressed his personal dream of driving to Beirut, but emphasized that Lebanon's government and people must stand against Iran and Hezbollah. He cited Hezbollah's violations of the 2006 UN Security Council resolution and the 2024 ceasefire agreement, asserting Israel's right to defend itself against cross-border attacks. The statement came after Aoun's CNN interview with Christiane Amanpour, in which the Lebanese president criticized both Hezbollah and Iran, saying Lebanese citizens are exhausted by recurring conflicts and that Iran prioritizes its own interests over Lebanon's welfare.
What different sources said
- The Jerusalem PostRight
WATCH: President Herzog calls for Lebanese President Aoun to reject Hezbollah, Iran influence
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