Herzog says Israel-Saudi peace is his dream, 'unsurprised' by renewed Iran conflict, in interview

President Isaac Herzog articulated his profound desire for peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia during a recent interview with Saudi Arabia's state-owned Al-Arabiya. He conveyed deep respect for Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and stated that rapprochement between the nations is a primary Israeli aspiration. Herzog expressed hope for the ability to meet Saudi leadership officially in the future, emphasizing the importance of peaceful coexistence between Jews and Muslims in the region.

“

It is my dream to see peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia. I have great respect for Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. The thing that we want most in Israel is to see rapprochement between the nations.

Herzog also commended the United States for its renewed strikes against Iran, viewing the American reaction as firm and a necessary signal to Tehran. He stated he was "not surprised" by Iran's subsequent strikes against Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, attributing them to Iran's predictable pattern of behavior and its tendency to violate agreements. Herzog characterized dealings with Iran as inherently difficult, noting their unique interpretation of clear understandings.

Reflecting on the Abraham Accords, Herzog expressed Israel's pride and satisfaction with its relationships with Morocco, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates, highlighting these as examples of successful normalization. He also discussed Israel's enduring relationship with the United States, describing it as a close and good dialogue, particularly in private discussions. While acknowledging that differences between the two nations are natural and tactical, Herzog stressed a shared understanding of the threat posed by Iran, which he referred to as an "empire of evil" with its proxies, and its view of the U.S. as the "big Satan" and Israel as the "small Satan."

“

I'm happy that the American reaction is firm so that everybody understands, especially the Iranians, that they have to go back on track if they really want to implement an exit from the war.

Herzog voiced his respect for President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and the entire Trump administration, emphasizing close collaboration on numerous issues. He believes the overarching goal should be the connectivity between East and West, a vision he expects the United States to champion with European allies.

“

We all understand that we are faced with an empire of evil in Tehran, with its proxies, with its belief that the United States is the big Satan and Israel is the small Satan.