Holding a Photo of a Baby Hostage Celebrating Their First Birthday, Saying "Can't Think of Peace"

Israeli President Speaks at Swiss Davos Forum
"Peace Process Unlikely to Be the Right Solution at This Point"
Hamas Must Be Eradicated... Saudi Arabia Diplomatic Ties Key to New Horizons

Isaac Herzog, President of Israel, stated that the war with Hamas cannot be ended immediately.

According to local media, President Herzog said on the 18th (local time) at the World Economic Forum (WEF, Davos Forum) held in Davos, Switzerland, "No sane person would think that a peace process is the right solution at this point in time."

He continued his speech in front of a photo of a baby who just turned one year old, whose life has been uncertain for 104 days after being taken hostage by Hamas.

Regarding international pressure for a ceasefire, President Herzog responded, "Everyone would want to confirm whether the situation where we are being attacked from the north, south, and east has been resolved." This is interpreted to mean that the war can only end once Hamas, which killed over 1,200 people in southern Israel on October 7 last year and continues to launch rocket attacks, is completely eliminated and the safety of Israelis is secured.

Itzhak Herzog, President of Israel
[Photo by Yonhap News]

He added, "Israel has lost trust in the peace process because neighboring countries (Iran) praise terrorism," expressing concern that "not only Israel but the entire world may witness the 'Empire of Evil' originating from Iran undermining the peace process and stability."

He also said, "Eradicating Hamas is necessary for a better future for the neighboring Palestinian residents," and urged, "The whole world must unite very closely to confront Iran and its proxy forces."

Regarding the post-war handling of the Gaza Strip, he stated, "I hold in my heart the solidarity with countries that can enable the safety of Israelis and Palestinians and a future for Gaza that is different from the past."

In particular, he attracted attention by mentioning that the normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia, the Sunni Islamic powerhouse, and Israel is the key to moving beyond the war and opening a new horizon.