In his speech at the Munich Security Conference, Israeli President Isaac Herzog emphasized the fundamental importance of Israel’s security in achieving a post-war solution in the Middle East. He stated that a peaceful resolution with the Palestinians could only be realized as part of a comprehensive agreement with other regional countries. Currently, the idea of establishing a Palestinian state is viewed as a reward for the war initiated by Hamas against Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his intention to expand the military offensive in Rafah despite international warnings, asserting that Israel would not succumb to international pressure on this matter. He mentioned, “Anyone who wants to prevent us from acting in Rafah ultimately tells us to lose the war.”
Netanyahu’s plans for expanding operations in the densely populated city have faced significant international criticism, including from the United States, Israel’s most important ally. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has called for the establishment of long-term safe zones for the people there and repeatedly warned of a “humanitarian disaster.”
Netanyahu also emphasized that a settlement could only be achieved through direct negotiations between the parties without preconditions, and he confirmed Israel’s rejection of any potential recognition of a Palestinian state by the United States and other partners without Israel’s consent.
Additionally, thousands of Israelis protested in various cities against the religious right-wing policies of Netanyahu’s government. A widespread unauthorized demonstration occurred in the coastal city of Tel Aviv, with protesters blocking a street and lighting fires.
Protests also took place near Netanyahu’s villa, with many demonstrators calling for new elections, while others demanded a ceasefire in the Gaza war and a swift agreement with Hamas to release more hostages.
The war in the Gaza Strip was also a central topic at the 60th Munich Security Conference.
