Herzog Navigates Israel's Turmoil: From Judicial Overhaul to Hostage Crisis
Isaac Herzog, who became Israel's president in 2021, has played a pivotal role during the tumultuous tenure of the 37th government. He proposed a compromise framework for the controversial judicial overhaul and has served as a national voice during the ongoing war. Herzog also engaged in mediation regarding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's pre-trial pardon request, including a secret meeting with Netanyahu's advisor, Yaakov Bardugo. In September 2026, he cleared the criminal record of soldier Elor Azaria.
Born in 1960, Herzog, son of the sixth president Chaim Herzog, is a lawyer by profession. His political career included serving as a minister in the Olmert and Netanyahu governments, chairman of the Labor Party, and leader of the opposition. He also chaired the Jewish Agency before his election as president in June 2021 with 87 votes.
In March 2023, Herzog presented his "People's Outline" for judicial reform compromise, which Netanyahu rejected. During the war, Herzog's statement in an foreign interview that "an entire nation" in Gaza is responsible was quoted by the International Court of Justice in The Hague. He later claimed his words were taken out of context.
In September 2025, Herzog called the government's avoidance of establishing a state inquiry commission a "grave mistake." Regarding Netanyahu's pardon request, submitted before his trial concluded, Herzog opted for mediation, meeting secretly with Bardugo. The Justice Ministry's Pardon Department recommended against halting the legal proceedings in March 2026. Herzog then invited parties to talks for a plea deal in April 2026.
Herzog's presidency has been marked by his attempts to bridge divides, particularly concerning the judicial overhaul and the aftermath of the October 7th attacks. He has engaged with families of hostages and fallen soldiers, advocating for their return and for accountability. His handling of Netanyahu's pardon request, involving mediation and secret meetings, has drawn significant attention and scrutiny.
