Israeli President Isaac Herzog has criticized Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie for her remarks on the Israel-Hamas War. In an interview with Piers Morgan, Mr. Herzog expressed his disagreement with Ms. Jolie’s anti-Israel stance, stating that he personally witnessed the atrocities committed on the first day of the attacks, which he described as the “worst atrocity as a nation.” Ms. Jolie had recently taken to her social media accounts to express her views on the conflict, emphasizing her focus on the people displaced by violence in any context.
Ms. Jolie asserted that the bombing of the civilian population in Gaza, which lacks access to basic necessities and the right to seek refuge, cannot be justified by the act of terror committed in Israel. She also shared a photo suggesting the devastating impact of Israel’s airstrikes on Gaza, claiming that it was turning into a mass grave. She further lamented the collective punishment of millions of Palestinian civilians, including children and families.
Responding to Ms. Jolie’s remarks, Mr. Herzog dismissed her claims, noting that she has never visited Gaza to witness the situation firsthand. He refuted the notion of a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, asserting that the region is currently experiencing war but not a situation that prevents survival. He emphasized that Ms. Jolie’s comments do not offer Israelis any means of self-defense.
Mr. Herzog also stated that Gaza’s current state is not solely Israel’s responsibility. He highlighted that Israel withdrew from Gaza, which has now become an Iranian base filled with terrorism. He expressed hope that the outcome of the war would enable the people of Gaza to live a better life under a different regime conducive to peace. He argued that if civilians are not to blame, they should allow Israel to eliminate the terrorists.
Additionally, Mr. Herzog recounted the morning of the October 7 attack by Hamas, describing the fear and shock experienced by Israelis as they sought shelter from the missile attack. He referred to it as the worst atrocity since the establishment of the state of Israel, with a high number of Jewish casualties comparable to the Holocaust and 9/11.
Meanwhile, Angelina Jolie’s father, Jon Voight, expressed disappointment in his daughter’s remarks. In a video posted online, he criticized her lack of understanding of the significance of the Holy Land and the need for the Israeli army to protect its people and land during times of war.
The reactions from Isaac Herzog and Jon Voight highlight the deeply divided opinions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict, with both sides passionately defending their respective positions.
