From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
In apparent critique of government, Herzog says diplomacy must follow military victories
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleLazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
As Israel pumps the brakes on US-backed road maps in Gaza and Lebanon, President Isaac Herzog stresses the need for diplomacy after military success.
“At this time, as we stand after nearly three years of a multifront war, it is precisely the figure of Herzl the statesman that should guide us,” he says at a burial ceremony for the grandparents of pioneering Zionist visionary Theodor Herzl.
“After every military victory and achievement, the work of diplomacy and statesmanship must also follow,” he says, in what could be seen as a slight knock at the government, which has been accused of rejecting diplomatic off-ramps in favor of continued military operations throughout the region.
“We must ensure Israel’s security under all circumstances on the security front, but there can be no complete victory without the work of diplomacy at the end.”
In Gaza, Israel is refusing to withdraw or officially halt military operations before Hamas is completely disarmed, rejecting a Board of Peace proposal that envisioned a phased process where verified weapons handovers and withdrawals unfold in parallel.
Meanwhile, in Lebanon, Israel is pushing back against Beirut’s desire for a more significant military pullback, as direct talks with the Lebanese government continue in Rome.
The Times of Israel Community.