In a conversation with Fareed Zakaria at the World Economic Forum in Davos today (Tuesday), Israeli President Isaac Herzog shared that the deadly attack on October 7 had caused him to question his support for the Two-State Solution. “The two-state solution is something which, on record, I supported in the past, many times,” Herzog remarked, adding, “But I would say that I had a wake-up call following October 7. In the sense that I want to hear my neighbors say how much they object, regret, condemn, and do not accept, in any way, the terrible tragedy of the terror attack of October 7, and the fact that it cannot be the tool to get there.”

He continued, emphasizing the unacceptable nature of the attack, saying, “If we are dignified human beings, [October 7] is unacceptable under any norms.”

Herzog also reflected on the beginning of the second Trump Administration following Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States, noting that the threat posed by Iran would be a primary concern for Trump. “Iran will be a main issue on his agenda in the very near future, and it will have to be deliberated,” Herzog declared. “Iran cannot have nuclear capabilities, and has to stop with its proxies and axis of evil.”

The President warned that Iran was rapidly advancing its nuclear program, stating that it is “rushing” and “working day and night” to develop nuclear weapons.

Regarding the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, Herzog expressed optimism about its progression, noting that the agreement involves three phases. “I believe that there is a clear potential of getting to the second stage. There is a desire, and we meant it when we signed the agreement.” He remained hopeful that the agreement might continue through the third stage as well, adding that there is “potential” for it to last.

Herzog also commented on the troubling nature of the ceasefire exchanges, highlighting the contrast between the release of 33 civilians—mainly women and children—while Israel is compelled to release over a thousand terrorists and murderers. “This is the whole equation: We are asking to release women and children, and for that we are paying with terrorists, barbaric terrorists.”

{Matzav.com Israel}