“Iran’s Future Can Only Be Regime Change,” Herzog Says at Davos

Isaac Herzog said Thursday that Iran’s future “can only be in a regime change,” as he outlined Israel’s regional outlook and domestic challenges during appearances at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland.

Speaking in and interview on the sidelines of the conference, Herzog said the Iranian public is pushing back against years of repression by the clerical leadership and warned that the ruling system in Tehran is weakening. “The Iranian people are yearning for change. The Iranian people deserve change,” he said, adding, “It’s clear to me that the Ayatollah regime is in quite a fragile situation.”

Herzog said Israel’s strategic position has improved following months of fighting, but warned against complacency. “All in all the balance sheet is better but we should not be over optimistic and believe that all is well,” he said, noting that Iranian-backed forces continue efforts to regroup despite recent setbacks.

Turning to Gaza, Herzog said the current ceasefire is only a stage in a longer process, not a final settlement. Turning to Gaza, Herzog said the current ceasefire is only a stage in a longer process. “The real test has to be Hamas leaving Gaza. Hamas as a military group leaving Gaza,” he said, adding that progress also depends on the return of the last remaining Israeli hostage. He described the international framework as a process now being tested, adding that “there will be a deadline to how long we can procrastinate in waiting to make sure that the terrorists are out.”

Herzog said Israel is closely monitoring developments in Syria following the collapse of President Bashar Assad’s rule, citing fears of chaos and extremist spillover. He said Israel is particularly concerned for the Druze community in southern Syria. “We received really terrible reports, including sexual violence against women and terrible atrocities,” Herzog said, calling for international cooperation to restore stability and security.

Alongside regional issues, Herzog confirmed that a request for a presidential pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is undergoing a formal legal review. He said the process requires collecting opinions from relevant agencies within the Justice Ministry and cannot be bypassed. “Right now, the request has to go through the procedure of collecting various opinions by the relevant agencies in the Ministry of Justice. I cannot violate that, because of course I have to operate according to the rules,” he said.

Herzog acknowledged that the prolonged criminal trial has taken a toll on Israel’s institutions and public life. “The court case should have been resolved and should be resolved amicably, because it has a very negative impact on our system,” he said, adding that solutions must be found within the law.