Israeli President Herzog Confronts Genocide Allegations During Australian Visit
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has firmly rejected accusations of inciting genocide in Gaza during a contentious television appearance in Australia, as protests continue to shadow his diplomatic visit to the continent.
Speaking on Australia's Sunrise program, Herzog dismissed the allegations as "libelous lies" when questioned about findings from the United Nations Commission of Inquiry regarding Israel's conduct in its ongoing conflict with Hamas.
Defending Israel's Military Response
"I never incited genocide. It's a libelous lie," Herzog declared, characterizing the accusations as part of "enormous brainwashing with a lot of lies and blasphemy which has no basis."
The UN commission specifically cited Herzog's statements following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack that claimed over 1,200 Israeli lives, interpreting his words as evidence of Israeli officials' "intention to destroy Palestinians in Gaza as a group."
In those controversial remarks from October 13, 2023, Herzog had stated: "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. They could have risen up, they could have fought against that evil regime which took over Gaza."
The Human Cost and Path Forward
When confronted with the staggering casualty figures, more than 67,000 Palestinians killed according to UN and World Health Organisation data over two years of conflict, Herzog acknowledged the gravity of the situation while maintaining Israel's defensive 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 that Israel is "at the stage of trying to exit from the war" and praised US President Donald Trump's efforts to broker a ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement.
Australia Visit Marked by Tensions
The Israeli president's four-day Australian tour has been overshadowed by significant protests, including a demonstration of approximately 30,000 people in Sydney's CBD that turned violent as police intervened.
Herzog used the platform to highlight what he characterized as rising anti-Semitism in Australia, particularly following the Bondi Beach terror attack. "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.
Despite the tensions, Herzog described his meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as "very productive" and expressed hope for positive changes following his visit.
Regional Perspective on Global Conflicts
In a pointed response to the protesters, Herzog drew attention to other global conflicts, asking: "Where are you when about 50,000 Iranians have been mowed and killed brutally by their own regime?"
This challenge reflects broader questions about selective international attention to various conflicts worldwide, a concern that resonates particularly in regions like the Horn of Africa, where conflicts often receive limited global scrutiny despite their significant humanitarian impact.
As diplomatic tensions continue to shape international relations, Herzog's visit underscores the complex challenges facing nations attempting to balance domestic political pressures with international diplomatic obligations in an increasingly polarized global environment.