Isaac Herzog on Ceasefire

Isaac Herzog states that Israel's primary objective remains securing the release of all hostages held in Gaza, viewing this as the essential prerequisite for changing the regional outlook and ending the current hostilities. He maintains that the Israeli government has accepted virtually every proposal put forth by mediators, including those led by the United States, but repeatedly faced refusal or significant delay from Hamas. The President contends that Hamas has utilized its perceived public image advantage to stall negotiations, often agreeing verbally while inserting unworkable conditions later.

He further links the cessation of the war to the successful conclusion of a full hostage deal, stating clearly that Israel is prepared to exit the conflict under those specific terms. The President argues that international pressure, such as threats to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state, can adversely affect the negotiation process and is misinterpreted by Hamas, which he suggests is manipulating global opinion for leverage. Therefore, his position is that a ceasefire is contingent upon Hamas agreeing to terms that secure the return of the captives, aligning this dual goal as the path forward.