President Herzog Addresses 79 New Judges and Registrars, Emphasizing Public Trust

Israeli President Isaac Herzog presided over a swearing-in ceremony for 79 new judges and judicial registrars on Tuesday, September 15. The event, attended by senior judicial officials and state representatives, marked the formal induction of individuals into various court levels, including six district court judges, twenty-five magistrate court judges, thirteen family court judges, six juvenile court judges, twelve traffic court judges, and seventeen judicial registrars.

In his address, President Herzog urged the new appointees to uphold their oath of loyalty and to administer justice impartially. He highlighted the critical role of the judiciary in citizens' lives, particularly during sensitive personal matters, and stressed that public trust in the judicial system is built through consistent, fair rulings, not headlines or statements. "There is no such thing as a 'small' case," Herzog stated, emphasizing that every matter contributes to the public's perception of justice.

The President also underscored the judiciary's importance in fostering societal stability and institutional confidence, particularly in confronting violence and vigilantism. He asserted that a strong, accessible, and efficient judicial system is essential for preventing citizens from resorting to extralegal means. "Nothing justifies violence, ever," he declared, while also calling for a system that provides easy access to justice with fairness and decisiveness.

Addressing the current election period, Herzog cautioned against viewing elections as a civil war and condemned the use of malicious AI-generated content. He emphasized the need for a substantive public discourse and collective effort for Israel's future. He also called for clear separation between governmental branches and the establishment of stable frameworks with clear rules, especially in a rapidly changing society like Israel.

Looking ahead, President Herzog expressed hope that the post-election period would facilitate the establishment of broadly agreed-upon foundational rules for the state, potentially including a basic law on legislation. He believes this would clarify the boundaries of authority between state powers and provide certainty and trust for citizens and institutions. He concluded by reiterating the importance of judicial independence and impartiality, reminding the new judges that their duty is to adjudicate without fear or favor, while the community's duty is to protect their independence and dignity.