Israeli Prime Minister Cancels Trip to Azerbaijan

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has canceled his planned trip to Azerbaijan for the COP29 climate conference, citing security concerns amid heightened tensions due to threats from Iran and its proxies. The cancellation coincided with a demonstration by families of Israeli captives, who protested outside Herzog's residence in Tel Aviv, expressing anger over the government's failure to secure a prisoners exchange with Hamas. This public outcry reflects ongoing frustrations with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration regarding the treatment of captives held in Gaza. Herzog's absence from the climate conference, where he was to deliver a speech, underscores the impact of regional security issues on international engagement. The event, which showcases Israel's innovations in climate technology, will continue without its presidential representation, though other Israeli officials remain present. Israeli officials have emphasized the nation's resilience and commitment to innovation despite these challenges.