(JERUSALEM IL — March 25, 2026) — Taking on the questions of social media followers, the 11th President of the State of Israel, Isaac Herzog hosted Israel education organization StandWithUs for an exclusive interview at the Presidential Residence in Jerusalem on March 25, 2026. Executive Director of StandWithUs Israel, Michael Dickson put the questions to the President.
President Herzog reflected on his Presidency being at one of the most consequential and historic eras for the State of Israel, referring to the 1,700 bereaved families he and his wife Michal have visited since October 7 and the campaign to free the hostages.
Hundreds of questions from around the world were received and no restrictions were put on what could be asked of the President. In the wide-ranging interview, topics covered the threat from the Iranian regime, why European leaders need to do more to assist the war effort, US-Israel relations, Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Israel just prior to the war, unity and division within Israeli society in an election year, and more.
The President praised the work of StandWithUs, saying: “It’s an incredible organization. I tell all our friends around the world and especially Jewish communities to be vigilant and careful to stand up and fight. And that’s why what your organization is doing is outstanding in its importance. And I thank you and your people and your supporters because now is the time to align together and stand with us. Don’t give up. It’s a big battle.”
Extracts from the interview:
On the Iranian regime and the war effort:
“They are a rogue state. They’re an empire of evil and they’re an evil regime and it must be crushed… For me, winning the war is limiting the capability of Iran to get nuclear bomb and of course denigrating its capability, longrange missile capability, meaning the two main tools which threaten Israel. Of course, we should add its proxies and hopefully make a change in the nation, a regime change, but that’s not something that I can define as a formal goal. So, right now, you know, in this respect, we’re absolutely winning the war.
We’re crushing their military capabilities. We’re definitely hurting badly their capability of rushing to the bomb. I mean in a substantial manner that will bring them back years and years. In this respect, this is a very very important moment. And of course, we must remember our American allies, the American military, service people, men and women who are carrying out an incredible mission out there with other allies in the region who are fighting hard against this empire of evil.”
On winning the war and terms for the war to end:
“For me, the winning the war is limiting the capability of Iran to get nuclear bomb and of course delineating its capability, longrange missile capability, meaning the two main tools which threaten Israel. Of course, we should add proxies and hopefully a change in the nation, a regime change, but that’s not something that I can define as a formal goal. So, right now, you know, in this respect, we’re absolutely winning the war.
We’re crushing their military capabilities. We’re definitely hurting badly their capability of rushing to the bomb. I mean in a substantial manner that will bring them back years and years. In this respect, this is a very very important moment.
We have a huge contribution to the world and what we want is to do good. We want to live in peace and do good. Look how many doing good we are doing all over the world and we are challenged time and again. This one is the main engine against us. This one is the main source of hate. This ideology of the jihadist regime of the Ayatollahs in Iran. That’s why this war is so justified. That’s why we have to make sure that we exit from it in a way that within the family of nations, we’re not only respected, but can move forward to doing good as much as possible, including a major change in the Middle East. And that is our aim.”
On President Trump and the US-Israel relationship at a time of war:
“(The US-Israel relationship) has strengthened significantly. We must remember our American allies, the American military, service people, men and women who are carrying out an incredible mission out there with other allies in the region who are fighting hard against this empire of evil.
When you meet American soldiers, women, men from all facets of American life, working with them hand in hand. I met myself some who are here in Israel and also it creates a certain closeness and intimacy in reaching the goals together. It’s very impressive. Moreover, I believe that we have a very strong bond with the American administration. I want to thank President Trump for his bold decision which a historic decision to change the fate and direction of the Middle East.”
On being the President at this critical time:
“We’re going through extremely onerous term. I don’t think any Israeli president had such a challenge. I’ve seen it all. We see a lot of agony and pain. Michal and I visited over 1,700 bereaved families. We speak and meet every day and some of the most beautiful human beings were lost. I was very honored to work hard to bring the hostages back home and we’re in touch with them. Incredible people. We are an outstanding nation. Really, I’m so proud of the Israelis and I love them so much. They’re amazing.”
On being President at this historic time:
“We crisscross the country. We see ongoing sites where bombs have landed, where missiles shattered, where people were wounded. And we’re also seeing incredible, incredible people volunteering and taking responsibility. First responders are outstanding and of course our soldiers in all fields at air, at sea, and on the ground. So I’m very proud of the Israelis and I’m very proud of this historic moment which should bring a historic change so that we can see a better future for the children of the Middle East.”
On Europe’s lack of willingness to fight:
“I think they have to understand that what we are doing is protecting Europe. Once the Iranians launched 4,000 kilometer missile to Diego Garcia. Okay, that’s 2,500 miles. That’s definitely covers all of Europe, including England. What are you so naive about? Read their scriptures, read their ideology, and understand you’re next.”
On Iran-regime terror and antisemitism in the UK:
“How come in Britain, the Prime Minister of Britain says there about 10 or 20 events only last year linked to Iranian terror? What is this? They’re allowed to do what they want. They are a rogue state. They’re an empire of evil and they’re an evil regime and it must be crushed.”
“Every time there was an effort to move to peace, the first ones to undermine it by terror and havoc and bloodshed are the Iranians. They spend billions of dollars. They have terror cells all over the world directly and through their proxies. It’s about time the world stands up to them: stands up to them and says no more. That the region stands up to them. That Europe stands up to them and says no more.”
On the arson attack on Hatzola ambulances in London:
“We are in the midst of a major surge of anti-semitic activity all over the world. I am the president of Israel, who feels enormous responsibility for the well-being of Jews all over the world. I spoke to Hatzola leadership yesterday. It was a very moving conversation because I called them from Kiryat Shemona on the border with Lebanon and their missiles from Lebanon and I told them the fate of all Jews is unanimous. We are there together. We’re in this battle together.”
On Iranian and Israeli allyship:
“I was very, very moved to see such scenes (Jews and Iranians demonstrating together) in London, in Athens and many other places. There’s a lot of affinity and friendship between the Iranian expats and Israelis all over the world…. The historical context is that if we change the equation, we can have peace with Iran as well and it will be fantastic for the people of Israel and the people of Iran to do so. We grew up on the stories of our parents who managed to visit Iran and loved it in those days. It must be changed.”
On the future of the Abraham Accords:
“In my mind, the great process we’re in, a historical process is a true dialogue between Jew and Muslim. It’s I mean it means the inclusion of Israel. It’s contribution to the region. The dialogue of ancient times that is coming back again between the children of Abraham. This is the vision. That’s why the Abraham Accords are so fantastic. And that’s why more nations should join the Abraham Accords. And that is why the connectivity in the Middle East can serve the entire world through the eastern hemisphere. And that’s why solar energy can be supplied to Europe, Africa, and Asia from this region and so much more. So it’s a big picture. It’s a big picture and I believe it’s now the moment.”
Links to the interview with the President:
