Israeli President Isaac Herzog delivered a rare Arabic-language message to Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Wednesday, expressing support for peace between the two countries while arguing that such a goal depends on Lebanon reducing the influence of Iran and Hezbollah.

The remarks came after Aoun's recent interview with CNN, in which the Lebanese president criticized Iran's role in Lebanon and called for a diplomatic path to end the conflict with Israel.

“I've seen the interview of the president of Lebanon on CNN, and it was quite an interesting interview. But I must say, the situation is very clear. We in Israel seek peace with Lebanon,” Herzog said in a video statement released in both Arabic and English during a visit to Israel's northern border.

Addressing the Lebanese leadership and public, Herzog said Israelis support the prospect of normal relations with Lebanon but stressed that such a future requires Beirut to curb the influence of Hezbollah and Tehran.

“The people of Israel support peace with Lebanon. Peace with Lebanon is feasible,” he said. “I always say, my dream is to take a car and drive all the way to Beirut. It's feasible. But for that, the government of Lebanon, the leadership of Lebanon, and the people of Lebanon have to stand up against Iran and against Hezbollah, and make it clear that they want peace, not terror.”

In a separate appeal delivered in Arabic, Herzog said he was extending “a hand of peace” to President Aoun and the Lebanese people, but added that Lebanon must free itself from what he described as the influence of Hezbollah, Iran and other armed groups in order to preserve its sovereignty and independence.

“My dream is to travel to Beirut, and that dream is still alive,” Herzog said, “but only if Lebanon's future is determined in Beirut and not in Tehran.”

The comments came as Israel and Lebanon remain engaged in U.S.-mediated contacts aimed at reducing tensions and exploring a longer-term arrangement, although major obstacles remain. Iran has insisted that any ceasefire involving Hezbollah be linked to broader understandings with Washington, while questions persist over the Lebanese state's ability to fully enforce security arrangements in the south.

Switching to English, Herzog accused Hezbollah of repeatedly violating ceasefire agreements reached with Israel.

“It was Hezbollah who violated the Security Council resolution of 2006. It was Hezbollah who violated the ceasefire agreement of 2024,” he said. “And Israelis and Israel cannot accept any attacks on our citizens, any attacks crossing our borders, any attacks of terror.”

Herzog said Israel would continue to defend itself unless durable security guarantees were established.

“We have the full right to defend ourselves,” he said. “And so long as there is no clear, clear arrangement that protects our nations, it will be impossible to move forward, so it's in your hands.”