Israeli President Herzog Urges Knesset to Avoid New Elections

Israeli President Isaac Herzog implored lawmakers of the 26th Knesset on Wednesday to overcome political divisions and work towards national stability during the new parliament's inaugural session. In a solemn address, he urged elected officials to shoulder their responsibilities amidst Israel's security, diplomatic, and social challenges. "This Knesset must serve its full term. You must do everything to avoid new elections," Herzog stated, noting that nearly 80% of voters participated in the recent elections. He referenced the profound changes Israel has undergone since the October 7th attacks, commending the public's courage and sacrifices while calling for a similar sense of duty from political leaders. "The people who elected you aspire to return to normal life, security, and tranquility," he emphasized. The President encouraged dialogue, cooperation, and compromise among lawmakers, even political adversaries. "Extend a hand for compromise, even among rivals," he urged, believing Israelis now expect concrete results from their representatives rather than further partisan disputes. Addressing security and diplomatic matters, Herzog cautioned against the persistent threats posed by Iran and its regional allies, stating, "The Iranian evil empire does not cease its maneuvers and threats for a moment." He advocated for building a stable diplomatic horizon with neighboring countries and strengthening existing peace agreements, alongside combating Israel's enemies. "We must consolidate our alliance with our greatest friend, the United States, strengthen our relations with all our allies, defend Israel's reputation, and fight diplomatic sanctions to the end," he asserted. The President also called for a thorough investigation into the failures that led to the October 7th massacres, stating, "We have a duty not to neglect any avenue to understand how this catastrophe could have happened and to learn from it." Regarding the sensitive issue of sharing the military burden, he suggested a more equitable distribution of service obligations is necessary, proposing a solution that balances respect for Torah study with the principle that "the duty to serve must be shared by all." Finally, Isaac Herzog condemned the violence and divisions weakening Israeli society, declaring, "There is no place for racism, regardless of its target, nor for violence, whether in Arab society, on the hills of Judea and Samaria, in the streets, or in schools." He concluded by reminding lawmakers that their decisions have global implications, "Never forget that the words spoken in this chamber and the decisions made here directly affect our Jewish brothers and sisters around the world."