Israeli President Herzog Dismisses Genocide Accusations During Controversial Australian Tour
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has categorically rejected accusations of inciting genocide in Gaza during a heated television interview in Australia, calling such claims "libelous lies" while defending his nation's military response to Hamas terrorism.
Speaking on Australia's Sunrise program Thursday morning, Herzog faced pointed questions about United Nations allegations regarding Israel's conduct in its ongoing conflict with Hamas. The UN Commission of Inquiry has cited Herzog's statements following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack as evidence of Israeli officials' "intention to destroy Palestinians in Gaza as a group."
Strong Defense Against International Criticism
"I never incited genocide. It's a libelous lie," Herzog stated firmly when confronted by host Nat Barr. "That's part of the whole circumstances of our lives, enormous brainwashing with a lot of lies and blasphemy which has no basis."
The controversy stems from Herzog's October 13, 2023 statement: "It's an entire nation out there that is responsible. It is not true, this rhetoric about civilians who were not aware and not involved. It is absolutely not true. They could have risen up, they could have fought against that evil regime which took over Gaza."
Herzog defended Israel's right to self-defense following the Hamas attack that killed over 1,200 Israelis, describing Hamas as "the most barbaric and vicious terror organisation." He emphasized that no nation wants war but insisted that "terror cannot reign in the world."
Casualties and Path Forward
When pressed about the more than 67,000 Palestinian casualties reported by the UN and World Health Organisation over two years of conflict, Herzog acknowledged the difficulty of the situation while maintaining Israel's position.
"It is extremely difficult, extremely painful. None of us want war," he said. "All I want is for our neighbors, just like us, to live in peace and quiet and tranquility. Believe me I care for the pain of the Palestinians, but terror cannot reign in the world."
Herzog indicated Israel is "at the stage of trying to exit from the war" and praised US President Donald Trump's ceasefire mediation efforts. He outlined plans for "huge development and investment in Gaza" following Hamas's removal from power.
Anti-Semitism Concerns in Australia
During his four-day Australian tour, Herzog addressed what he described as a "wave" of anti-Semitism in the country, referencing the recent Bondi Beach terror attack that targeted the Jewish community.
"Australia has seen the price of hate and anti-Semitism in the terrible Bondi attack, culminated after two years of an almost anti-Semitic wave in this country and elsewhere," he stated.
Herzog's visit sparked significant protests, with approximately 30,000 demonstrators gathering in Sydney's CBD, leading to violent clashes with police near the International Convention Centre where Herzog was speaking.
Responding to the protests, Herzog challenged demonstrators: "I ask all these protesters in Australia, where are you when about 50,000 Iranians have been mowed and killed brutally by their own regime."
Diplomatic Relations
Despite the controversy, Herzog described his meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as "very productive" and expressed hope for positive changes in bilateral relations following his visit.
The Israeli president emphasized the importance of maintaining "incredible relations" between Israel and Australia, built throughout both nations' histories, while acknowledging the current tensions surrounding his visit.