Herzog Criticizes Netanyahu and Gallant's Absence from Davos Conference

SadaNews: Israeli President Isaac Herzog criticized the exclusion of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant from international forums, including the ongoing economic conference in Davos, Switzerland.

Herzog claimed that the exclusion of Netanyahu and Gallant from participating in a global forum aimed at shaping the future of the Middle East is a "reward for terrorism".

He stated in remarks reported by the official Israeli broadcasting agency during his meeting with United Nations General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock on the sidelines of the conference, that he intends to raise the issue of the exclusion of the Prime Minister and former Defense Minister from international forums due to the arrest warrants issued against them.

Herzog is leading a delegation that includes Economy Minister Nir Barkat and Bank of Israel Governor Amir Yaron, along with leaders from the technology and finance sectors. He is scheduled to deliver an official address before the general session of the forum next Thursday, according to the conference agenda.

Herzog stated that "it is unacceptable for international legal forums to use disgraceful international politics - which is repeatedly weaponized against Israel - to prevent top Israelis from participating," according to a statement issued by his office.

He added, "Israel is not only fighting to protect its people, but it stands on the front lines defending the entire free world against the evil empire of the Iranian regime and its terrorist proxies," as he put it.

He considered it "essential" for the international community and European countries to take "measures to end this disgraceful episode of rapidly imposing illegitimate sanctions," as he described it.

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant in November 2024, accusing them of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity against Palestinians during the genocide that Israel launched on the Gaza Strip in October 2023, which lasted two years and resulted in over 70,000 Palestinian deaths and more than 171,000 injuries.

In addition to the arrest warrants, the International Court of Justice is considering a lawsuit filed by South Africa, joined by several countries, accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza.