Hercog stressed that defeating Iran's clerics was “in the deepest interest of Europe's national security,” adding that Iran was seeking “ten times the number of ballistic missiles, which would seriously threaten Europe.”
Herzog: Europe should help
“After a generation of talks, the time has come for action,” said the Israeli president, calling on Europe to support the fight against Hezbollah – Iran's ally – in Lebanon.
“Europe should support all efforts, all actions to eradicate Hezbollah now,” he said. “They should understand that if you want to get somewhere, sometimes you have to win the war,” he added.
What did the president of Israel say about the war in Iran?
What actions should Europe take according to President Herzog?
How many people died as a result of Israeli attacks on Lebanon?
What consequences does France expect in the event of an Israeli offensive in Lebanon?
France proposed on Saturday to organize direct negotiations between the governments of Israel and Lebanon in Paris. On Monday, in a joint statement, the leaders of France, Canada, Germany, Britain and Italy said it was necessary to prevent a major Israeli ground offensive in Lebanon, which could have catastrophic humanitarian consequences and start a long conflict.
It's boiling in the Middle East
Israel has been conducting an air war with Iran since February 28, together with the United States. Hezbollah, sponsored by Tehran, attacked Israel in early March, entering the conflict and drawing Lebanon into the war.
Hezbollah is shelling the north of Israel, which is conducting massive airstrikes on various parts of Lebanon. Israel announced on Monday morning the launch of a limited offensive against southern Lebanon, which was already under attack by ground forces.
Israeli attacks on Lebanon killed 886 people, including 111 children, the government in Beirut announced on Monday. It added that more than a million people had to flee their homes. Lebanon is inhabited by approximately 6 million people.
The Lebanese government does not control Hezbollah and has previously announced its disarmament. However, the group refuses to lay down its weapons. Israel emphasizes that its offensive is aimed at Hezbollah, but at the same time accuses the Lebanese authorities of lack of progress in disarming this group.
