Israeli President: "Do Not Want War with Iran... Appropriate Measures Are Necessary"

Future Defensive Response Announced
"In Close Dialogue with Allies"

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said on the 14th (local time) that while he does not want war over Iran's attack on Israel, a corresponding response is necessary for this airstrike.

In an interview with CNN on the same day, President Herzog described Iran's airstrike as "a very aggressive and brutal attack that looks like a declaration of war." On the 13th, Iran launched hundreds of ballistic and cruise missiles toward Israel. This was a retaliatory measure for Israel's bombing of the Iranian consulate in Syria on the 1st.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

President Herzog criticized, "For decades, Iran has waged war against us through proxies," adding, "We are facing an evil empire that seeks to annihilate all the values of the free world." He continued, "Now is the time for the world to firmly say 'Don't' to them," emphasizing, "The entire world must understand that a response is necessary to the war Iran is waging against the free world."

However, he explained, "We do not seek war," and "Since a balance is needed, Israel's future response to Iran's attack will be defensive actions." He also conveyed, "Currently, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is communicating with world leaders and is having close talks with allies, especially in response to Iran's attack."

President Herzog also added, "We are considering everything," expressing confidence that "decisions will be made to protect and defend the Israeli people by acting responsibly and in a coordinated manner."

Meanwhile, this is the first time Iran has launched a full-scale military attack on the Israeli mainland. With the crisis of the 'Fifth Middle East War' escalating due to Iran's airstrike on Israel's mainland, fears of a Middle East-originated oil shock are also spreading. International oil prices, which have already entered the countdown to surpassing $100 per barrel, are even expected to exceed the approximately $130 level recorded shortly after the Russia-Ukraine war two years ago.