Herzog urges Lebanon to remove Hezbollah, Iran influence

Israeli President Isaac Herzog urged Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to “fight” for a country free of Hezbollah and Iran, saying Israel could not move forward without arrangements to protect its security.

“Israel cannot accept any attacks on our citizens, any attacks crossing our borders… We have the full right to defend ourselves, and so long as there is no clear arrangement that protects our nation, it will be impossible to move forward. So it’s in your hands, fight for it,” Herzog said.

He said Lebanon “must remain free from the influence” of Iran and Hezbollah.

“There is no greater dream than for Israelis to be able to get in a car and drive to Beirut; it depends only on you. Denounce Hezbollah from among you, remove Iran and its proxies. Do not be afraid - say it and act,” Herzog said.