Israeli Ambassador to US States: Strike on Hezbollah Prevented Broader Conflict
Michael Herzog stated, "I believe that the success of our operation yesterday prevented an escalation to a major war."
TroibNews 
Israeli Ambassador to the United States Michael Herzog reported that a recent overnight strike on Hezbollah was crucial in averting a regional conflict.
"I believe that the success of our operation yesterday prevented an escalation to a major war. This threat is still there. We still need a settlement with Hezbollah in Southern Lebanon,” Herzog stated during his appearance on CBS’ "Face the Nation" with Margaret Brennan.
Herzog explained that Hezbollah initiated hostilities against Israel on October 8th, mirroring Hamas' actions and has since launched thousands of rockets into Israeli territory. This ongoing conflict in northern Israel parallels the persistent strife in Gaza involving Hamas.
“We give a chance for diplomacy and we hope it works, but if not, we have nearly 70,000 people in Israel, northern Israel, away from their homes, refugees in their own country, and we have to make sure they can go back safely to their homes," he added.
Further discussing potential diplomatic resolutions, Herzog indicated positive movements toward a deal in Cairo, with Israeli and Hamas representatives attempting to negotiate. According to Herzog, Israeli envoys are hopeful about reaching an agreement that would secure the return of Israeli hostages.
“As Secretary [Antony] Blinken said a few days ago, the U.S. put forward a bridging proposal, which was accepted by Israel, and now it's up to Hamas to say if they accept it or not,” Herzog elaborated. “So they did send their representative, but we still are not 100% sure that they are in the game. We certainly hope so. If that is the case, we can make progress toward a deal."
Despite these discussions, conflicting statements from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have arisen, particularly concerning the Philadelphi corridor. Herzog clarified, “We are not obliged to leave the Philadelphi corridor at this phase. We are reducing our forces there. We had constructive talks in Egypt a few days ago,” noting that the negotiations are part of a multiphase deal and that coordination with the U.S. Administration remains strong.
On the subject of potential threats from Iran, Herzog expressed confidence that direct attacks could be prevented, citing effective deterrence by both Israel and the United States. “I think the Iranians are contemplating an attack on Israel, but decided for now to put it on hold. I think the main reason for that was deterrent messages from Israel and the US and a very strong U.S. posture in the region, which tells you that you can deter them.”
Sanya Singh for TROIB News
"I believe that the success of our operation yesterday prevented an escalation to a major war. This threat is still there. We still need a settlement with Hezbollah in Southern Lebanon,” Herzog stated during his appearance on CBS’ "Face the Nation" with Margaret Brennan.
Herzog explained that Hezbollah initiated hostilities against Israel on October 8th, mirroring Hamas' actions and has since launched thousands of rockets into Israeli territory. This ongoing conflict in northern Israel parallels the persistent strife in Gaza involving Hamas.
“We give a chance for diplomacy and we hope it works, but if not, we have nearly 70,000 people in Israel, northern Israel, away from their homes, refugees in their own country, and we have to make sure they can go back safely to their homes," he added.
Further discussing potential diplomatic resolutions, Herzog indicated positive movements toward a deal in Cairo, with Israeli and Hamas representatives attempting to negotiate. According to Herzog, Israeli envoys are hopeful about reaching an agreement that would secure the return of Israeli hostages.
“As Secretary [Antony] Blinken said a few days ago, the U.S. put forward a bridging proposal, which was accepted by Israel, and now it's up to Hamas to say if they accept it or not,” Herzog elaborated. “So they did send their representative, but we still are not 100% sure that they are in the game. We certainly hope so. If that is the case, we can make progress toward a deal."
Despite these discussions, conflicting statements from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have arisen, particularly concerning the Philadelphi corridor. Herzog clarified, “We are not obliged to leave the Philadelphi corridor at this phase. We are reducing our forces there. We had constructive talks in Egypt a few days ago,” noting that the negotiations are part of a multiphase deal and that coordination with the U.S. Administration remains strong.
On the subject of potential threats from Iran, Herzog expressed confidence that direct attacks could be prevented, citing effective deterrence by both Israel and the United States. “I think the Iranians are contemplating an attack on Israel, but decided for now to put it on hold. I think the main reason for that was deterrent messages from Israel and the US and a very strong U.S. posture in the region, which tells you that you can deter them.”
Sanya Singh for TROIB News
