twitter.com / Isaac Herzog
Former Labour Party leader and chairman of the Jewish Agency Isaac Herzog was sworn in as President of Israel on Wednesday, replacing his predecessor, Reuven Rivlin. After his oath of office, Herzog pledged to be a “President for all” and to calm the country’s divisive and toxic rhetoric.
The president of Israel is primarily a ceremonial role and has minimal political power, with executive authority controlled in large by the Prime Minister. In his inauguration speech, Herzog said that “baseless hatred, polarisation and division are exacting a heavy price” and that the goal of his presidency would be to “rebuild hope”.
Herzog also emphasised the importance of Israel’s minority communities, urging the government to do more to tackle crime in the country’s Arab sector.
He also affirmed his commitment to defending Israel’s military record in the international arena. The new president received a standing ovation from Knesset members following his speech.
In his parting speech, Reuven Rivlin stressed the importance of preserving both Israel’s Jewish and democratic character. He also argued in favour of improved Jewish-Arab coexistence which could potentially pave the way to better prospects for peace in the region. Rivlin also received a standing ovation for his remarks.
Herzog won the support of 87 of the 120 lawmakers in the Knesset to become president in June, the most any candidate has received in the country’s history. Isaac Herzog builds on his family’s tradition of public service.
His father, Chaim Herzog, was the President of Israel for 10 years, between 1983 and 1993. His grandfather, Yitzhak HaLevi Herzog, was the first Chief Rabbi of Ireland between 1921 and 1936, and the first Chief Rabbi of Israel after its independence in 1948.
