Israel's President Condemns Nationalist Crime in West Bank

President Isaac Herzog visited the Judea and Samaria Division (West Bank) on Wednesday amid ongoing security tensions and operational activity. During the visit, he met with the division commander, Brigadier General Kobi Heller, and reviewed the operational situation and security forces' achievements in combating terrorism with brigade commanders, police, and Shin Bet representatives.

"I came here to hear firsthand from the IDF and security officials about the ongoing and relentless war against terror," Herzog stated. "I thank the IDF, the police, the Shin Bet, and all security bodies for the immense effort and extraordinary achievements."

Alongside full backing for the security establishment, President Herzog issued a clear moral condemnation of nationalist criminal activity in the region. "Alongside these achievements, we are seeing very serious phenomena of nationalist crime, phenomena that undermine our ability to function as a state, damage our ability to realize sovereignty and the rule of law. Israel is a democracy and a law-abiding state, and no one can take the law into their own hands."

Herzog emphasized that these actions harm the settlement enterprise itself. "This severely damages Israel's good name. It is a stain on its face, and more importantly, it harms the settlements first and foremost. This cannot continue. The political echelon must provide all legal and other tools to stop and curb this phenomenon, because it is not ours, it is neither Jewish nor Israeli."

The President also addressed the attempted attack on a Flydubai flight. "We went through very tense hours in a very serious incident that fortunately ended with a great miracle and heroism. We strengthen and embrace our brothers and sisters on their way home and thank the heroes. Of course, we will act in every way to thoroughly investigate the incident with our Emirati partners."

Herzog concluded by stressing the importance of security relations with the United Arab Emirates. "We must say that they are our partners and allies, and they fight terror alongside us. We hope all lessons will be learned, the war on terror does not stop, it is a fact."