President Herzog Warns of Divisive Politics Amidst Election Season

President Isaac Herzog delivered a somber address at the state memorial ceremony for fallen soldiers and victims of the October 7th attacks, held at Mount Herzl on Monday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also spoke, reiterating that Hamas will not govern Gaza and stating that those holding Israeli hostages are living on borrowed time.

President Herzog paid tribute to the female observers stationed at the Nachal Oz outpost, who he said were the "eyes of the IDF and the state." He recounted how they detected and reported suspicious activity leading up to the October 7th massacre, but their warnings were not fully heeded. He quoted a chilling message written by one of the observers on a shelter wall: 'Look how she walks peacefully, as if Gaza is not next to her.' He noted that 53 soldiers died in the battle for Nachal Nachal Oz, and hundreds more fell that day across various locations.

Addressing the upcoming election cycle, Herzog urged Israelis to heed "blazing warning lights" of dangerous division and disputes. While acknowledging the necessity of debate, he stressed that disagreements today should not fracture the nation's future, as children will grow up together in the same country. He reflected on the past three years, marked by loss, displacement, and uncertainty, but also by the remarkable resilience and mutual aid demonstrated by the Israeli people.

Herzog concluded by referencing another message from the Nachal Oz observers: 'Everything will be alright. We will yet shine.' He called for a forward-looking perspective and collective responsibility to ensure hope for the nation's future.