Israel must not burn bridges with its regional allies, Herzog warns

As Israel’s Arab partners gather with other Middle Eastern states in Doha to call for measures against Israel, President Isaac Herzog calls on Israel not to neglect its relationships with its regional allies.

There are many countries, he says at the national memorial ceremony for deceased Israeli presidents and prime ministers, “with whom, alongside disagreements — sometimes very deep disagreements, and even positions I strongly reject — Israel has extensive and significant ties with these countries, including important economic ties.”

“They are part of the Western-facing world in which we seek to remain, and in these countries there is also a large and important public supportive of Israel, who yearn to hear our voice,” he says. “Therefore, we must act diplomatically and with public diplomacy, with purpose and determination, not neglecting any arena, speaking with everyone, and being proactive. We must not forsake our ties. We must not burn our bridges.”

Israel must not “accept the isolation our enemies seek to impose upon us,” he says.

Though Herzog does not mention it by name, a source in his office says that he is referring first and foremost to the UAE.

At the same time, he acknowledges that “Israel has never experienced such hostility. Certainly not in the most strategic and influential arenas. The hatred of Israel is rearing its ugly head with full force, obliging us to stand and fight it – with all tools, on all fronts.”