Israeli President Warns Against Political Incitement Ahead of Elections

Israeli President Isaac Herzog issued a stark warning against political incitement and violence during a state memorial ceremony for former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and his wife Leah Rabin on Mount Herzl. Speaking five days before national elections, Herzog emphasized that "words kill" and called for leaders, candidates, and commentators to exercise responsibility in their public discourse. He stressed that elections are not a civil war and that crossing red lines in Israeli democracy is unacceptable.

Hersog stated that Rabin's assassin must serve his full sentence without any clemency or reduction. He asserted that Rabin's assassination was a tragedy for the entire nation, transcending political affiliations, and called for a combination of personal and national responsibility in remembering him. The President highlighted the critical importance of a nation's ability to defend itself from internal threats aiming to dismantle it, as well as from external enemies.

"We must not allow violence from any side or of any kind," Herzog declared, reiterating Rabin's final words that "violence erodes the foundations of Israeli democracy." He urged all candidates and citizens to remember Rabin's legacy and the principle that the right to win an election is contingent upon accepting the legitimacy of the opponent's right to win. He concluded by promising to do everything possible to protect the state for future generations, honoring Rabin's memory and the lessons learned from his murder.