Isaac Herzog

Isaac Herzog (Hebrew: יצחק "בוז׳י" הרצוג‎; born 22 September 1960) is an Israeli politician serving as the 11th president of Israel since 7 July 2021. The son of former Israeli president Chaim Herzog, he is a lawyer by profession and served as the Government Secretary from 1999 and 2001. He was a member of the Knesset from 2003 to 2018. He held several ministerial posts between 2005 and 2011, including serving as Minister of Welfare and Social Services from 2007 to 2011 under prime ministers Ehud Olmert and Benjamin Netanyahu.

Isaac Herzog

Quotes

2021

• My mission, the mission of my term, is to do everything in order to rebuild hope.
  • Cited in "Israel swears in Isaac Herzog as 11th president", Aljazeera (7 July 2021).

• The historic connection of Jews to Hebron, to the tomb of the patriarch, to the heritage of the patriarchs and matriarchs is unquestionable. Recognition of this connection must be beyond all controversy.
  • Cited in "Lighting candle at Hebron shrine, Herzog says Jewish connection is 'unquestionable'", The Times of Israel (28 November 2021).

• Israel will welcome a comprehensive, diplomatic solution which permanently solves the Iranian nuclear threat. In the case of a failure to achieve such a solution, Israel is keeping all options on the table and it must be said that if the international community does not take a vigorous stance on this issue — Israel will do so. Israel will protect itself.
  • Cited in "Israel will protect itself against Iran if world won't, Herzog warns new US envoy", The Times of Israel (5 December 2021).

• We have to continue dreaming of peace.
  • Cited in "On 'Gassing the Arabs' and other diseases: Is Israel a 'Sick Society'?", Middle East Monitor (6 December 2021).

• Indeed, we both (Israel and Bahrain) want, above all, regional peace and mutual prosperity.
  • Cited in "Herzog wishes Bahrain's king happy national day", The Jerusalem Post (16 December 2021)

• May you (Eytan Stibbe) influence the whole of humanity for another hundred years. May you continue to bring all of us, your nation, your country, and your family, great pride. Fly in peace and return in peace. Look after yourself.
  • Cited in "President gives astronaut a prayer for Israel to take to space", The Times of Israel (16 December 2021).

• I think that it is very important to protect our Israeli and Jewish identity. It's not simple. We live in a very diverse world, but part of a person's ability to develop is having an identity that you believe in and belong to.
  • Cited in "Israel's president to Palo Alto students: Check out Hebrew TikTok", The Jewish News of Northern California (20 December 2021).

• Glass ceilings are being smashed every day in Israel, and I'm proud that during my time in the President's Residence, another one is being broken by a worthy and promising officer.
  • Cited in "Israeli president's pick for military secretary makes history", Jewish News Syndicate (21 December 2021).
  • Colonel "N" was the first woman appointed to the role

• The Iranian nuclear threat must be neutralized once and for all, with or without an agreement. Iran must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons capabilities.
  • Cited in "Iran must be stopped from obtaining a nuclear bomb, with or without deal - Herzog", The Jerusalem Post (22 December 2021).

2023

• Today we saw the true face of Hamas. A terrorist army whose only goal is the cold-blooded murder of innocent men, women, and children.
  Supported and directed by their proxy commanders in Iran, they carried out an unprovoked, heinous attack against the Jewish state on a Jewish holy day. Innocent civilians were massacred and wounded, and many are still under attack.
• The State of Israel will take all measures necessary to eliminate this clear and immediate danger to our citizens. Israel will overcome in the face of all challenges.
  I call upon the family of nations – this war waged against us marks a line in the sand. Now is the time to hear clear, unequivocal condemnation of Hamas, its allies, and its backers in Iran. Now is the time to stand firm with Israel in support of its just and moral battle in the face of an abhorrent enemy.
  • "How the world reacted to shocking Hamas terrorist attack on Israel", The Jewish Chronicle (7 October 2023)
  • Major incursions into Israel by Hamas, in which at least 1,300 Israelis were murdered, began the 2023 Israel–Hamas war.

• We are working, operating militarily in terms according to rules of international law, period. Unequivocally.
  It is an entire nation out there that is responsible. It's not true this rhetoric about civilians not aware, not involved. It's absolutely not true.
  They could have risen up, they could have fought against that evil regime which took over Gaza in a coup 'd état.
  But we are at war, we are defending our homes, we are protecting our homes, that's the truth and when a nation protects it's home it fights and we will fight until we break their back bone.
  • From an interview with ITV News (11 October 2023), as cited in "Israeli president Isaac Herzog says Gazans could have risen up to fight 'evil' Hamas", ITV News (13 October 2023)