Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated on Wednesday that he hopes the upcoming discussions between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump will help to weaken what he refers to as the "evil empire" of Iran. Herzog's remarks emphasize the ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran, alongside a broader dialogue about peace initiatives in the Middle East. He expressed a desire for success in these discussions, which he believes are crucial for achieving stability in the region.

Herzog's comments come during his visit to Canberra, Australia, where he outlined his hopes for the outcome of the meeting. He indicated that addressing Iran's influence is a significant component of the conversation and that cooperation between the United States and Israel could pave the way for peaceful resolutions to ongoing conflicts, particularly regarding Gaza. This highlights Israel's strategic reliance on U.S. support in its foreign policy, especially concerning neighboring adversaries in the Middle East.

The reference to Iran as the "empire of evil" portrays ongoing ideological and geopolitical rivalry and aligns with Israel's longstanding narrative regarding Iranian influence across the region. Herzog's emphasis on peace discussions indicates a dual approach of diplomatic engagement and strategic security that Israel plans to pursue in its relations with both the United States and its Middle Eastern neighbors.