President Isaac Herzog commented this evening (Thursday) on the apparent breakthrough between Israel and Saudi Arabia and the prospect of signing a peace agreement between the countries, mediated by the United States
In a speech delivered at the annual memorial ceremony for the Armored Corps to mark the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War, the President said: "The peace agreements with Egypt and Jordan, and the Abraham Accords that were signed a few years ago, proved that the Israeli longing for peace is just, and that the State of Israel reaches out and will continue to reach out to all its neighbors - near and far as one."
"I wholeheartedly welcome the important developments regarding the possibility of a historic agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is a very important country, and I believe that a relationship based on partnership and friendship with it can be the foundation for a historic return in the history of the State of Israel and the entire Middle East. This opportunity, of course, depends on factors many, but I hope and believe with all my heart that it will come true."
"We had difficulty imagining these developments"
"I want to tell you - the heroes of the Yom Kippur War and the members of the bereaved families: then, a few years ago, we had difficulty imagining these developments. But the historical process of the integration of the State of Israel in the Middle East, a process that began with the peace agreement with Egypt and reaches the current stage of negotiations with Saudi Arabia - It is thanks to you! Thanks to your heroism, thanks to your sacrifice, and thanks to the uncompromising belief in the rightness of the way - in the defense of the homeland, and in the pursuit of peace. That's where it all started."