Israeli President Isaac Herzog visits the site of an Iranian attack in Beit Shemesh, Israel, March 2, 2026.
Alexi J. Rosenfeld | Getty Images
Israeli President Isaac Herzog told a group of American business leaders at the Yale CEO Caucus on Tuesday that he understands concerns about the cost of a war against Iran, but insisted it is a necessary price for “a better horizon in the Middle East.”
Herzog called the war, which began on February 28 between the United States and Israel, a “huge moment for the region” that has effectively united against Iran and its terrorist policies.
“I want a different future for the Middle East,” Herzog said, speaking via remote video at an event in Washington. “For the first time we are working together… in a NATO-like structure, because we are all under fire from Iran and we are all fighting against Iran.”
“I know it’s not easy for you in the business community,” the Israeli president said. “Everyone is focused on data and costs. We understand.”
“But we all understand that to reach the goal of a reasonable horizon for the Middle East, and a better horizon for the Middle East, it is sometimes necessary to take difficult steps,” Herzog said. “Undermining Iran’s capabilities is the first rule.”
Business leaders in attendance at the invite-only event included Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla, AOL co-founder Steve Case, Washington Commanders partner Mark Ein, Booking Holdings CEO Glenn Fogel, and Lazard CEO Peter Orszag.
Asked whether the U.S. and Israeli leaders had long-term plans for Iran, Herzog said he was “very impressed with the very close cooperation and analysis on many levels.”
The Trump administration faces questions about the prolongation of the war, which began on February 28th. President Trump has criticized his predecessors for prolonging other conflicts in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Herzog praised the cooperation between the United States and Israel.
“The incredible cooperation between our militaries is unprecedented. Some have likened it to some of the alliances that worked together during World War II. So it’s just incredible because we share so much of this world on so many levels,” Herzog said.
Herzog also said the war is enabling a “popular uprising” in Iran by inflicting “significant” damage to Iran’s military, government and infrastructure.
“I don’t know if they will do that,” he added. “Two months ago, the[Iranian regime]massacred 50,000 people. This is so brutal and horrifying that we understand that we are dealing with the world’s true ’empire of evil.’
“So the grand plan is first and foremost to weaken them significantly, and that’s what’s happening now,” Herzog said.
