Speaking before a global audience at the World Economic Forum, Israeli President Isaac Herzog delivered a blistering rebuke to the West’s silence on Iran while defending Israel’s wartime actions. With Fareed Zakaria moderating, Herzog took aim at what he called “mind-boggling” hypocrisy from celebrities and activists who have condemned Israel yet remain silent on Tehran’s blood-soaked repression.

“Where are they? Where’s Susan Sarandon? Where’s Cynthia Nixon?” Herzog asked. “Why don’t we see them demonstrating in front of Iranian embassies or in the streets, crying out in support of the Iranian people?”

Herzog contrasted the world’s outrage over Israel’s war in Gaza with the relative indifference to the thousands tortured and killed by Iran’s regime. He insisted that Israel’s military campaign has not only been an act of self-defense but a necessary pivot in the regional power balance.

Turning to Gaza, Herzog highlighted the Trump-led diplomatic framework now underway—a plan that hinges on Hamas relinquishing power and a technocratic government taking charge. He praised the US-backed UN Security Council resolution that lays the groundwork for what he called a “Marshall Plan” for Gaza. But Herzog was clear: “The real test has to be Hamas leaving Gaza.”

He emphasized that peace cannot come under the “guns of terrorists,” stressing that children in Gaza deserve a future free from extremism.

NOW – Jared Kushner, unveils a slide show showing the “master plan,” for the future of Gaza and asks people on media and social media to “Just calm down for 30 days… let’s do our best to try working together, our goal here is peace between Israel and the Palestinian people.” pic.twitter.com/1BT9nEN5FE

— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) January 22, 2026

On Syria, Herzog voiced alarm over atrocities committed against Druze and Kurdish populations. He cited reports of sexual violence and mass killings in Sweida and condemned the brutal repression by Syria’s newly empowered regime. “It cannot be done by way of killing your own people,” he warned.

Herzog also expressed hope for further regional normalization, pointing to the UAE’s humanitarian work in Gaza and its role in the Trump-era Abraham Accords. But he reserved special attention for Saudi Arabia. “It’s my dream to see the Crown Prince sign an agreement with us. The future vision of the Middle East must be rapprochement between Jew and Muslim.”

His message was unmistakable: real peace will require clarity, courage, and consistency—from the region, and from the global powers that claim to care about it.

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