Herzog calls on EU to back Israel-Lebanon memorandum during state visit to Romania

The Israeli president also addressed rising antisemitism, calling it “a danger to all of humanity,” and praised Romania’s commitment to Holocaust education.

By TPS

Israeli President Isaac Herzog called on the European Union and the international community to support the memorandum signed last Friday between Israel and Lebanon, describing it as a potential “cornerstone of peace,” during a state visit to the Romanian capital on Monday.

Herzog and his wife Michal were received at the Presidential Palace by Romanian President Nicusor Dan in a formal welcoming ceremony, after which the two leaders held bilateral talks covering security cooperation, trade, technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and agriculture.

“Israel seeks peace with Lebanon, on condition that it be free from the control of the Iranian terror regime,” Herzog said.

“I welcome the memorandum signed on Friday between Israel and Lebanon, which can become a cornerstone of such peace. I call on the European Union and the international community to support this move, to help Lebanon restore its stability, and to support Israel’s security.”

Herzog framed the war against Hamas and Hezbollah as a global struggle.

“Since the terrible massacre of October 7, 2023, Israel has been dealing with a multi-front war against Iran and its terror proxies, including Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis. But this war is not only against Israel. It is a war waged by Iran’s empire of evil against the free world,” he said.

The Israeli president also addressed rising antisemitism, calling it “a danger to all of humanity,” and praised Romania’s commitment to Holocaust education.

The visit coincided with the 85th anniversary of the Iași pogrom.

Responding to European calls for sanctions, Herzog said: “To those in Europe calling for boycotts and sanctions against Israel, I say: change course. Threats will not advance peace. Dialogue will.”

Herzog also said Israel seeks peace with Syria and in Gaza.

“The residents of Gaza, like the residents of Israel, deserve a better future,” he said, adding that it requires full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 and the immediate disarmament of Hamas.

“My visit is a symbol of the special ties between our two countries, rooted in hundreds of years of Jewish history in Romania,” Herzog said.

“Thousands of Israelis of Romanian origin, and the Jewish community here in Romania, form a living bridge between our two nations.”

Romanian President Dan reaffirmed strong bilateral ties and committed to combating antisemitism.

“We are witnessing a rise in hate speech and antisemitism, and we are committed to acting with determination and wisdom to stop it and promote tolerance and dialogue,” he said.