THE DREAM OF PEACE

In an exclusive interview at his home, Israel's President Isaac Herzog tells Newsweek's editor-in-chief how he hopes to normalize his country's relations with Saudi Arabia... with the help of Donald Trump

- BY JENNIFER H. CUNNINGHAM IN JERUSALEM AND TOM O'CONNOR

AS A CEASEFIRE OVERSEEN BY U.S. President Donald Trump in the Gaza Strip offers the prospect of a broader end to violence in the Middle East, Israeli President Isaac Herzog told Newsweek that he dreams of celebrating peace with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Speaking at his residence in Jerusalem, the Israeli head of state spoke of the opportunity he saw after two years of conflict during which the country—under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—has been engaged not only in its bloodiest combat with Hamas and other Palestinian factions, but has also launched strikes against Iran, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Yemeni Houthis and other forces in Syria.

“It would be my dream to be able to celebrate peace, for example, with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia,” Herzog said. “Because I think that the cradle of Islam and the cradle of the monotheistic religion and the cradle of Judaism together will change the world.”

“That would be a great moment for me, personally, and for the region,” he said, adding that there is “still a lot to do.”

'A Generational Issue'

It is no secret that peace with Riyadh is the crown jewel of Israel’s efforts to normalize its position in the region.

The ask is tall, as Saudi Arabia has emphasized such a step can only be taken in response to an Israeli road map toward Palestinian statehood, an issue on which Herzog declines to weigh in directly given his position as head of state.

STRENGTHENING TIES Crown Prince Mohammed is greeted by President Trump at the White House on November 18 ahead of talks that solidified their countries' economic and defense partnership. Right: Herzog at an event on September 10 in London.