Ahead of Israel's 77th Independence Day, President Isaac Herzog finds himself in an almost impossible position – caught in the middle.
Facing considerable criticism, Herzog addresses these challenges in a special interview with Israel Hayom set to be published on Independence Day. "I've been called 'the Kaplanist president' and 'the Bibist president' – which perhaps shows that I am maintaining balance. I take great care to remain balanced and act responsibly," he said. "The President's Residence is one of the few places where everyone is still willing to come and talk. That is my role: not to take sides, but to help heal the divide."
On the issue of the hostages held by Hamas, Herzog remained cautious. "The war has two objectives – the defeat of Hamas and the return of the hostages. It doesn't have to be an either-or situation; there is room for actions that could achieve both. We can change the reality while also bringing the hostages home," he said.
"Certain statements, especially from the president, could harm efforts. When a president says certain things, it might drive up the price [of negotiations], so there are things I will not say," he added.
Herzog also spoke about his efforts to mediate discussions regarding the establishment of a state commission of inquiry into the events leading up to the October 7 attacks. "Even among those opposing the commission, there is agreement that there must be an investigation. The debate is about how the commission should be formed. I believe the Commission of Inquiry Law is the right tool, but it allows flexibility that must be used wisely," he explained. "I met with the president of the Supreme Court, and he, in his nobility, said, 'Okay, I will forgo my honor and consult with my deputy [Justice Noam Sohlberg], whose legal school of thought is different, so we can create trust.'"
Addressing the criminal cases facing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Herzog said: "When I hear [former Supreme Court President] Aharon Barak say, 'Go for a plea deal,' I think we need to listen. It's time to talk about it. It makes sense."
'Strangling each other'
The president revealed that he attempted to mediate the dispute between the prime minister and the head of the Shin Bet security agency. "I spoke with the prime minister and the head of the Shin Bet. Instead of focusing on threats, we are busy strangling each other. I tried to calm things down between them," Herzog said.
On the issue of military conscription for the ultra-Orthodox community, Herzog noted that "there are currents within the ultra-Orthodox public that are more willing to hear the army's plans. I don't like the attacks on the ultra-Orthodox; I am in favor of dialogue."
Herzog sharply criticized Chief Sephardi Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, who recently said that military draft orders should be thrown "into the garbage." "I was appalled by those remarks; my insides turned over. It is completely unacceptable to me. I believe many people in the ultra-Orthodox community were uncomfortable with those statements as well. After all, we are sacrificing our sons and daughters," Herzog said.
Looking back at the 2005 disengagement from Gaza, Herzog said, "It is clear to me now that the disengagement was a mistake. Not the desire to separate from two million Palestinians – that was logical – but the act itself, which, due to the Palestinian Authority's weakness, led to a Hamas takeover in Gaza."
