Feb 14 • 07:15 UTC 🇶🇦 Qatar Al Jazeera

He was asked about Gaza, but talked about Iran.. the Israeli president provokes mockery on social media

Israeli President Isaac Herzog faced ridicule for diverting a question about Gaza into a critique of protests in Australia, suggesting protesters focus on Iran instead.

During an interview, Israeli President Isaac Herzog was asked about the ongoing ban on international journalists entering Gaza. In response, Herzog emphasized security risks, describing Gaza as a heavily mined zone that poses dangers to journalists. He noted that the issue of allowing press access is still under discussion in coordination with multinational forces, including Australian representatives, and expressed hope that foreign press would eventually be allowed in.

However, Herzog's response quickly shifted towards an unrelated comparison, as he began discussing the tunnels in Gaza and what he perceived as a waste of investments. This shift in focus was interpreted by social media users as a disconnect from the original question, leading to mockery and sarcasm. The phrase "What did the castle have to do by the sea?" became popular as a means to highlight the absurdity of linking two unrelated topics.

The broader implications of Herzog's comments reflect the ongoing tensions surrounding press freedom in conflict zones like Gaza, where media access is often restricted. His comments also suggest an attempt to redirect scrutiny from Israeli actions and policies in Gaza to international issues, such as protests against Iran, which may further complicate the already tense relationship between Israel, Gaza, and the international community.

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