Herzog tells UK’s Lammy Israel fighting Iranian efforts to undermine global stability

Hosting British Foreign Secretary David Lammy in Jerusalem, President Isaac Herzog stresses that there is no war more just than the one Israel is fighting now, against “an empire of evil that wants to undermine the stability of the world and is rushing to the bomb [and] undermining international trade.”

He also tells his guest that Iran is “trying to surround Israel by its proxies.”

“We are a nation seeking peace, and I believe that we must find peace with our neighbors,” Herzog says.

The president adds that Israel is “working tirelessly” to bring the hostages home.

“I sincerely hope that there will be a hostage deal soon. It is a very important step,” says Herzog, both on its merits and to help end the conflict,” says Herzog.

Lammy, wearing the yellow ribbon that has become a symbol of the movement to bring the hostages home, says that he hopes that “we see a hostage deal emerge in the coming days, and I am using all diplomatic efforts. Indeed, last week with the G7 nations, and particularly with Secretary of State Blinken pressing for that hostage deal.”

He also expresses his hope to see a ceasefire, to end the suffering and the “intolerable loss of life” in Gaza.

Lammy does not call for the toppling of Hamas as part of a ceasefire, something he avoided mentioning in his statements ahead of the trip as well.

After their meeting, the two speak with the family of Tamir Adar from Kibbutz Nir Oz, whose body is being held by Hamas after its terrorists murdered him.

First Lady Michal Herzog raises the issue of Hamas sexual violence with Lammy.