Reporter presses, Herzog gets angry: 'I didn't say such a thing'

Israeli President Isaac Herzog became angry during a press conference on the Israel-Palestine conflict when journalists asked about Israel's plans to prevent civilian deaths in Gaza.

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Reporter presses, Herzog gets angry: 'I didn't say such a thing'

Israeli President Isaac Herzog held a press conference on the 6th day of the Israel-Palestine conflict to answer questions from international media members.

During the meeting, Herzog raised his voice and became angry at times when journalists pressed him by pointing out actions in Israel's attacks on Palestine that did not comply with "international law."

BLAMED CIVILIANS: 'THEY COULD HAVE RISEN UP'

When he argued in his speech that Israel observes "international law" in its attacks targeting Gaza, a journalist asked Herzog, "Regarding your operations in Gaza, you said this is not a reprisal and that you are hitting targets, but even US President Joe Biden has spoken about the importance of adhering to the laws of war and the humanitarian situation in Gaza. So, what is Israel doing to reduce the impact of this conflict on 2 million civilians, most of whom have nothing to do with Hamas?"

Herzog argued that the claim that civilians in Gaza were unaware of or not involved in Hamas's attacks was untrue, defending the loss of civilian lives by saying, "They could have risen up against the evil regime that took over Gaza in a coup d'état, they could have fought against it."

Following this, a CNN reporter stated that targeting a civilian population collectively is against international law. In response to this comment, Herzog raised his voice and said, "Are you not seeing what is happening? We are talking about serious war crimes right now."

When Herzog argued that no one understood them, a British reporter commented, "I am sincerely sorry for what is happening in Israel right now, but I have been listening to your answers for the last few minutes and I am a bit confused. On one hand, you say that Israel is complying with international law in the Gaza Strip and is very careful about preventing civilian casualties, but at the same time, you hold the people of Gaza responsible for not standing up against Hamas."

DENIED HIS WORDS REGARDING GAZA

Herzog then raised his voice once more, claiming that "rockets are being fired at Israel from the kitchens of homes in Gaza."

The journalist asked, "My question is: Are civilians in Gaza being held responsible for not destroying Hamas and therefore becoming legitimate targets?"

The Israeli President replied this time, "I did not say such a thing. A question was asked about distinguishing between Hamas and civilians. If there is a missile in your kitchen and you want to fire that missile at us, do I not have the right to defend myself?"

News Source: AA