{{Short description|President of Israel since 2021}} {{about|the President of Israel|his grandfather, the first Chief Rabbi of Ireland and later of Israel|Yitzhak HaLevi Herzog}} {{pp-extended|small=yes}} {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2025}} {{Infobox officeholder | honorific_prefix = | name = Isaac Herzog | native_name = {{nobold|{{Script/Hebrew|יִצְחָק הֶרְצוֹג}}}} | native_name_lang = he | image = Isaac Herzog, July 2021 (D1233-049).JPG | caption = Official portrait, 2021 | office = 11th President of Israel | term_start = 7 July 2021 | term_end = | prime_minister = {{unbulleted list | Naftali Bennett | Yair Lapid | Benjamin Netanyahu }} | predecessor = Reuven Rivlin | office1 = Leader of the Opposition | prime_minister1 = Benjamin Netanyahu | term_start1 = 25 November 2013 | term_end1 = 31 July 2018 | predecessor1 = Shelly Yachimovich | successor1 = Tzipi Livni {{collapsed infobox section begin | Ministerial positions | titlestyle = border:1px dashed lightgrey}} {{Infobox officeholder | embed = yes | office2 = Minister of Welfare and Social Services | term_start2 = 21 March 2007 | term_end2 = 17 January 2011 | prime_minister2 = {{unbulleted list | Ehud Olmert | Benjamin Netanyahu}} | predecessor2 = Ehud Olmert | successor2 = Moshe Kahlon | office3 = Minister of Diaspora, Society and the Fight Against Antisemitism | term_start3 = 21 March 2007 | term_end3 = 31 March 2009 | prime_minister3 = Ehud Olmert | predecessor3 = Natan Sharansky | successor3 = Yuli-Yoel Edelstein | office4 = Minister of Tourism | term_start4 = 4 May 2006 | term_end4 = 21 March 2007 | prime_minister4 = Ehud Olmert | predecessor4 = Avraham Hirschson | successor4 = Yitzhak Aharonovich | office5 = Minister of Housing and Construction | term_start5 = 10 January 2005 | term_end5 = 23 November 2005 | prime_minister5 = Ariel Sharon | predecessor5 = Tzipi Livni | successor5 = Ze'ev Boim }} {{collapsed infobox section end}} | office6 = Member of the Knesset | term_start6 = 17 February 2003 | term_end6 = 31 July 2018 | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1960|9|22|df=y}} | birth_place = Tel Aviv, Israel | death_date = | death_place = | spouse = {{Marriage|Michal Herzog|1985}} | children = 3 | signature = Isaac Herzog signature.svg | mother = Aura Ambache | father = Chaim Herzog | relatives = Herzog family | party = Zionist Union (2015–2018)<br />Israeli Labor (until 2024) | alma_mater = {{unbulleted list | Cornell University | New York University | Tel Aviv University }} | branch = Israel Defense Forces | service_years = 1978 | rank = ''Rav séren'' (Major) | unit = Unit 8200 }} '''Isaac''' "'''Bougie'''" '''Herzog''' ({{langx|he|יִצְחָק "בּוּזִ'י" הֶרְצוֹג|Yitskhak "Buzhi" Hertsog}}; born 22 September 1960) is an Israeli politician who has been serving since 2021 as the president of Israel. He is the first president to have been born in Israel after its Declaration of Independence.
Son of former Israeli president Chaim Herzog, he is a lawyer by profession and had served as Government Secretary from 1999 to 2001. He was a member of the Knesset from 2003 to 2018. He has 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.
Herzog had served as Chairman of the Labor Party and the Zionist Union alliance from 2013 to 2017. He served as Leader of the Opposition from 2013 to 2018 and was the Labor Party candidate for prime minister during the 2015 Israeli legislative election. Herzog was elected in the 2021 Israeli presidential election and was inaugurated on 7 July 2021. He is the first son of an Israeli president to become president himself.
==Early life and education== Isaac (Yitzhak) "Bougie" Herzog was born in Tel Aviv. He is the son of Major-General Chaim Herzog, who served two terms as the sixth president of Israel from 1983 to 1993, and Aura Ambache, founder of the Council for a Beautiful Israel.<ref name=ynet>{{cite news |url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4637599,00.html|title=The Herzogs: Three generations of Israeli leadership|first=Yaron |last=Druckman|date=17 March 2015|access-date=17 March 2015|work=Ynetnews}}</ref><ref name=haaretz/> Herzog's father was born and raised in Ireland and his mother was born in Egypt; their families were of Eastern European Jewish descent (from Poland, Russia, and Lithuania). He has two brothers and a sister.<ref name=haaretz/> His paternal grandfather, Rabbi Yitzhak HaLevi Herzog, was the first chief rabbi of Ireland,<ref name=haaretz>{{cite news |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2015-03-09/ty-article/.premium/israels-answer-to-the-kennedys/0000017f-e813-df2c-a1ff-fe5384850000|title=The Herzog family tree: Israel's answer to the Kennedys|first=Alona|last=Ferber|work=Haaretz|date=9 March 2015|access-date=17 March 2015}}</ref> a post he held from 1922 to 1935,<ref name=ynet/> and Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel from 1936 to 1959. The third foreign minister of Israel, Abba Eban, was his uncle.<ref>Ilan Ben Zion. (2 June 2021). "Herzog, scion of prominent Israeli family, elected president". [https://www.egyptindependent.com/herzog-scion-of-prominent-israeli-family-elected-president/ Egypt Independent website] Retrieved 20 June 2021.</ref>
When his father served as permanent representative of Israel to the United Nations for three years, Herzog lived in New York City and attended the Ramaz School.<ref name="Margalit">{{cite news |url=http://www.tabletmag.com/jewish-news-and-politics/161046/isaac-buji-herzog|title=Israeli Labor's New Leader Looking to Obama and de Blasio As Models|author=Ruth Margalit|date=30 January 2014|work=Tablet Magazine|access-date=31 January 2014}}</ref> In the following years, while also studying in high school, Herzog gained an advanced academic education at Cornell University and New York University and spent summers at Camp Ramah.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jaben-Eilon |first1=Jan |title=Israel Elects Isaac Herzog as 11th President |url=https://atlantajewishtimes.timesofisrael.com/israel-elects-isaac-herzog-as-11th-president/ |access-date=3 June 2021 |work=Atlanta Jewish Times |date=3 June 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Herzog |first1=Isaac |title=Isaac "Buji" Herzog's Reflection |url=http://reshetramah.org/alumni-reflections/isaac-buji-herzog/ |website=Reshet Ramah |access-date=3 June 2021 |date=24 February 2010}}</ref> He also accompanied his father to visit the Lubavitcher Rebbe in Brooklyn.<ref>chabad.org/2741419</ref>
When he returned to Israel at the end of 1978, he enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and served as a major officer in Unit 8200 of the Israeli Intelligence Corps. Herzog studied law at Tel Aviv University. He worked at a law firm founded by his father, Herzog, Fox & Ne'eman.<ref name="Schechter">{{cite news |url=https://www.haaretz.com/2013-12-01/ty-article/.premium/the-bougieman-cometh/0000017f-e0ee-d9aa-afff-f9fe866d0000|title=The Bougieman: Much hope rests on small shoulders of Isaac Herzog|author=Asher Schechter|date=1 December 2013|work=Haaretz|access-date=4 February 2014}}</ref>
==Career== Although he did not win a seat in the 1999 elections, Herzog served as the secretary of the government in Ehud Barak's cabinet until 2001 when Barak was defeated by Ariel Sharon in a special election for prime minister.<ref name="Schechter" /> In 1999, he was also investigated in the "Amutot Barak" scandal (a scandal involving allegations that the party funding law was violated), but maintained his silence.<ref name="Schechter" /> The Attorney General, therefore, decided to close the case against him due to lack of evidence. From 2000 until 2003, he served as chairman of the Israel Anti-Drug Authority.
Herzog won a seat in the 2003 election as a member of the Labor Party and was appointed Minister of Housing and Construction at his request when Labor joined Ariel Sharon's coalition government on 10 January 2005. However, on 23 November 2005, he resigned from his cabinet post along with the rest of the party. Prior to the 2006 elections, Herzog won second place on Labor's list in the party's primaries. He was initially appointed Minister of Tourism in Ehud Olmert's Kadima-led coalition but was reassigned to the Social Affairs ministry in March 2007 after Yisrael Beiteinu was awarded the Tourism Ministry following their late entry to the governing coalition, and was also appointed Minister of the Diaspora, Society and the Fight Against Antisemitism. He was again second on the party's list for the 2009 elections. Following the election, he was appointed Minister of Welfare and Social Services and Minister of the Diaspora. In January 2009 he was appointed by PM Ehud Olmert as the Israel Government Coordinator for the provision of humanitarian aid to the population of Gaza. He later resigned from the cabinet after Ehud Barak left the Labor Party to establish Independence in January 2011.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4014839,00.html |title=Labor ministers quit gov't after split|first=Attila| last=Somfalvi|work=Ynetnews|date=17 January 2011}}</ref>
In 2011 Herzog was an unsuccessful candidate for the Labor Party leadership. He finished third in the primaries that year after Shelly Yachimovich and Amir Peretz.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.haaretz.com/news/national/labor-primaries-yield-inconclusive-results-yachimovich-and-peretz-neck-and-neck-1.384176|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110913120534/http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/labor-primaries-yield-inconclusive-results-yachimovich-and-peretz-neck-and-neck-1.384176|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 September 2011|title=Labor primaries yield inconclusive results; Yachimovich and Peretz neck and neck|work=Haaretz|first=Jonathan|last=Lis|date=13 September 2011}}</ref>
===Opposition leader=== left|thumb|Official portrait, 2016|226x226px On 22 November 2013, Herzog was elected leader of the Labor Party, defeating incumbent Shelly Yachimovich by 58.5% to 41.5%.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4456617,00.html |title=Drama in Labor party: Herzog beats Yachimovich for chairmanship|first=Moran|last=Azulay|work=Ynetnews|date=22 November 2013}}</ref> In doing so, he became Leader of the Opposition. Whereas Yachimovich focused first on socioeconomic issues, Herzog prioritizes security and resolution of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.<ref name="Margalit" /> Ten days after the election, Herzog met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to pledge his support for the two-state solution.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/article/israels-new-opposition-leader-meets-palestinian-president-pledges-support-for-peace-deal/|title=Israel's new opposition leader, Isaac Herzog, meets Palestine president, pledges support for peace deal|last=Laub|first=Karin|date=1 December 2013|agency=Associated Press|publisher=CTV News|access-date=4 December 2013}}</ref>
[[File:Isaac Herzog at MSC 2015.jpg|thumb|left|Herzog speaking at the Munich Security Conference, 2015]] {{Infobox President styles | image = 50px | name = Isaac Herzog | dipstyle = His Excellency, The Honorable<br />{{Script/Hebrew|כבוד הנשיא}} | offstyle = Your Excellency, Honorable President<br />{{Script/Hebrew|כבוד הנשיא}} | altstyle = Mr. President<br />{{Script/Hebrew|אדוני הנשיא}} }} Herzog reportedly reached out to Shas leader Aryeh Deri to increase cooperation between the two opposition factions.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/shas-and-labor-forge-unlikely-alliance/|title=Shas and Labor forge unlikely alliance|last=Yaakov|first=Yifa|date=2 December 2013|work=The Times of Israel|access-date=4 December 2013}}</ref>
In June 2014, Herzog criticised PM Benjamin Netanyahu for failing to engage the international community, failing to present a proposal for peace with Palestinians, and failure to work effectively with the President of the United States, Barack Obama. Herzog declared that Netanyahu's "loathing and hostility for Barack Obama" was one of his greatest failures, since it put Israel's security at risk.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahus-loathes-obama-israels-opposition-leader-charges/|title=Netanyahu 'loathes' Obama, Israel's opposition leader charges|date=6 June 2014|work=The Times of Israel}}</ref>
With the governing coalition dissolving and new elections expected in March 2015, Herzog called on Hatnua and Kadima parties to join his Labor Party in forming a new coalition. In an interview with Ynet, he stated, "I am capable of replacing Netanyahu. I will do everything in order to establish a bloc before the elections."<ref>{{cite news |last=Winer|first=Stuart|title=Opposition leader calls for center-left bloc to defeat PM|date=2 December 2014|work=The Times of Israel|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/opposition-leader-calls-for-center-left-bloc-to-defeat-pm/}}</ref> Shortly thereafter, Herzog and Tzipi Livni, who was justice minister and is head of a centrist faction, announced they would campaign on a joint slate in the upcoming election in an effort to keep Netanyahu, leader of the Likud Party, from securing a fourth term as prime minister.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kershner|first=Isabel|author-link=Isabel Kershner|title=Alliance Adds Twist to Israeli Elections|date=10 December 2014|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/11/world/middleeast/alliance-adds-twist-to-israeli-elections.html}}</ref> The joint list was named Zionist Union, winning 24 seats to Likud's 30 in the 2015 election, making it the largest Opposition faction.
In July 2017, Herzog was eliminated in the first round of the Labor Party leadership vote. Avi Gabbay went on to win the leadership elections; however, Herzog remained official leader of the opposition in the Knesset as Gabay was not an elected MK. After being elected chairman of the Jewish Agency for Israel, Herzog resigned as Leader of the Opposition and from the Knesset. Tzipi Livni succeeded him as Leader of the Opposition, whilst Robert Tiviaev replaced him in the Knesset.
=== Chairman of the Jewish Agency === In June 2018, Herzog was unanimously elected chairman of the Jewish Agency for Israel.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/herzog-elected-jewish-agency-head-vows-to-cooperate-with-government/|title=Herzog elected Jewish Agency head, vows to cooperate with government|first=Raphael|last=Ahren|website=The Times of Israel|date=24 June 2018 |access-date=9 April 2019}}</ref> Herzog marked bridging the gap between the Jewish people and the State of Israel as one of his objectives.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/isaac-herzog-sees-hope-for-the-jewish-agency-and-the-fractured-nation-it-serves/|title=Isaac Herzog sees hope for the Jewish Agency, and the fractured nation it serves|first=Haviv Rettig|last=Gur|website=The Times of Israel|date=9 September 2018 |access-date=9 April 2019}}</ref> In an interview on Ynet news, Herzog stated that he views intermarriage between Jews and non-Jews as a plague to which there must be a solution.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.haaretz.com/opinion/2018-06-26/ty-article-opinion/.premium/typhus-cholera-intermarriage-of-u-s-jews/0000017f-dbfb-d3a5-af7f-fbfffdb90000|title=Opinion Typhus, Cholera and Intermarriage of U.S. Jews|first=Roni|last=Bar|date=26 June 2018|access-date=9 April 2019|newspaper=Haaretz}}</ref> On 24 October 2018, Herzog led a resolution to reaffirm the Jewish Agency's Board of Governors' commitment to the principles of a democratic Israel as emerging from the Declaration of Independence.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2018-10-24/ty-article/.premium/in-jab-at-netanyahu-top-jewish-group-reaffirms-commitment-to-a-democratic-israel/0000017f-dc63-df62-a9ff-dcf798d30000|title=In Jab at Netanyahu's Policies, Top Jewish Organization Reaffirms Commitment to a Democratic Israel|first=Judy|last=Maltz|date=24 October 2018|access-date=9 April 2019|newspaper=Haaretz}}</ref>
Following the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, Herzog expressed his concern from the rising anti-Semitism all over the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/253846|title=US and Israeli officials respond to synagogue shooting|website=Israel National News|date=27 October 2018 |access-date=9 April 2019}}</ref> In the International Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony at the European Parliament in Brussels he urged the leaders of European countries to fight anti-Semitism and to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of anti-Semitism.<ref>{{cite web |last2= |title=Jewish Agency head to Euro Parliament: Jews no longer safe on streets of Europe |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/jewish-agency-warns-european-parliament-anti-semitism-is-a-raging-crisis/ |access-date=9 April 2019 |website=The Times of Israel |date=23 January 2019 }}</ref> In March 2019, the Jewish Agency became the first public institution in Israel to help employees finance surrogacy services abroad so that they can become parents (this includes gay and single parents).<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2019-03-03/ty-article/.premium/jewish-agency-to-assist-gay-employees-with-surrogacy-services/0000017f-f219-da6f-a77f-fa1fab880000|title=In Landmark Move, Jewish Agency to Assist Gay Employees With Surrogacy Services|first=Judy|last=Maltz|date=3 March 2019|access-date=9 April 2019|newspaper=Haaretz}}</ref>
== President of Israel == [[File:Isaac Herzog state visit to Ukraine, October 2021 (GPOHA1 3215).jpg|thumb|250px|Herzog with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, Ukraine, October 2021]] [[File:Isaac Herzog in Brussels, January 2023 (GPOHZ0 1).jpeg|thumb|250px|Herzog with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels, 2023]] On 19 May 2021, Herzog announced his candidacy in the 2021 Israeli presidential election.<ref>{{cite news|last=Schneider|first=Tal|date=19 May 2021|title=Isaac Herzog, Miriam Peretz announce candidacy for presidency as race warms up|work=The Times of Israel|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/isaac-herzog-announces-candidacy-for-presidency-as-race-warms-up//|access-date=2 June 2021}}</ref> On 2 June 2021, he was elected as president by the Knesset.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2 June 2021|title=Isaac Herzog, a veteran politician and scion of a prominent Israeli family, is elected president, a figurehead role|url=https://apnews.com/article/ap-news-alert-isaac-herzog-middle-east-israel-d6c0236667ff02b972e9ff9ca34e56e5|access-date=2 June 2021|publisher=Associated Press}}</ref> He won more votes than any presidential candidate in Israel's history, receiving 87 votes compared to 26 for his opponent Miriam Peretz, and was sworn in on 7 July 2021, becoming the first son of a former Israeli president to also become president.<ref>{{cite news|date=7 July 2021|title=Herzog takes office as Israel's 11th president, warns of dangers of polarization|work=The Times of Israel|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/herzog-takes-office-as-israels-11th-president-warns-of-dangers-of-polarization/|access-date=8 July 2021}}</ref>
In his inaugural speech as President of the State of Israel, on 7 July 2021, Herzog called for the healing of rifts in Israeli society and the building of bridges within Israel and between Israel and the Jewish Diaspora. Herzog said: "We must remember that it was baseless hatred that led to the destruction of the First and Second Temples. The same baseless hatred, the same factionalism and polarization that claim such a heavy price from us—nowadays, and every day. The heaviest price of all is the erosion of our national resilience." Herzog also emphasized the importance of confronting the climate crisis.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Isaac Herzog Sworn in as Israel's 11th President, Vows to Act Against 'Baseless Hatred' |language=en |work=Haaretz |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2021-07-07/ty-article/isaac-herzog-to-be-sworn-in-as-israels-11th-president/0000017f-ef78-d8a1-a5ff-fffa0f340000 |date=7 July 2021|access-date=6 August 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Herzog takes office as Israel's 11th president, warns of dangers of polarization |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/herzog-takes-office-as-israels-11th-president-warns-of-dangers-of-polarization/|date=7 July 2021 |access-date=6 August 2022 |website=Times of Israel |language=en-US}}</ref>
Since entering the Israeli presidency, Herzog has conducted a number of major state visits. On 30 January 2022, Herzog conducted a historic state visit to the United Arab Emirates.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Berman |first=Lazar |title=In 'message to the region,' Herzog meets UAE crown prince in Abu Dhabi |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-message-to-the-region-herzog-meets-uae-crown-prince-in-abu-dhabi/ |access-date=6 August 2022 |website=Times of Israel |date=30 January 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref> In March 2022, Herzog embarked on a regional tour of neighboring Mediterranean states, taking in Greece, Cyprus, and a state visit to Turkey together with First Lady Michal Herzog, as the guests of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his wife Emine. Following months of dialogue since Herzog's election as president, the presidents met for a summit at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, symbolizing their countries' desire to move on from a period of tense relations. During the visit, Herzog addressed the "baggage of the past", which he said "never disappears of its own accord", and underscored that the Israeli-Turkish relationship would be determined by both states' actions.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Schneider |first1=Tal |last2=Agencies |last3=staff |first3=T. O. I. |title=Hosting Herzog in landmark visit, Erdogan lauds 'turning point' in relations |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/herzog-meets-erdogan-in-landmark-visit-as-israel-and-turkey-attempt-detente/ |access-date=6 August 2022 |website=Times of Israel |date=9 March 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref> In the latter part of his Turkish visit, as part of a broader policy of strengthening relations with the Jewish Diaspora during foreign engagements, Herzog and his wife Michal visited the Istanbul Jewish community at the Neve Shalom Synagogue, the target of various terror attacks over the years.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Herzog concludes historic Turkey trip with stop at Istanbul synagogue |url=https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/middle-east/levant-turkey/1646906238-herzog-concludes-historic-turkey-trip-with-stop-at-istanbul-synagogue |access-date=6 August 2022 |website=i24NEWS }}</ref>
[[File:Isaac Herzog state visit to Jordan, March 2022 (GPOHA1 3233).jpg|left|thumb|Herzog with King Abdullah II in Amman, Jordan, 30 March 2022]] On 29 March 2022, Herzog conducted a historic first public visit by an Israeli leader to Amman, Jordan, during which he met King Abdullah II, with whom he discussed to deepen the Israeli–Jordanian relationship, maintain regional stability, and bolster peace and normalization.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Berman |first=Lazar |title=Hosting Herzog, Jordan's king condemns 'tragic attacks that target civilians' |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/hosting-herzog-jordans-king-condemns-tragic-attacks-that-target-civilians/ |access-date=6 August 2022 |website=Times of Israel |date=30 March 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref>
Further to his declared objective of embarking on a journey within Israeli society, and as part of his public engagements in Israel and visits to its diverse communities, on 29 October 2021 Herzog participated in a memorial for the victims of the 1956 Kafr Qasim massacre and apologized on behalf of the State of Israel, making him the first Israeli official to ask for forgiveness at the official ceremony in Kafr Qasim. In his speech, Herzog said: "The killing and injury of innocents are absolutely forbidden. They must remain beyond all political arguments."<ref>{{Cite web |title=President attends Kafr Qasim memorial, apologizes for 1956 massacre |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/president-attends-kafr-qasim-memorial-apologizes-for-1956-massacre/ |access-date=6 August 2022 |website=Times of Israel |date=29 October 2021 |language=en-US}}</ref>
[[File:Isaac Herzog visit to Egypt, November 2022 (HZ0 B2).jpeg|thumb|250px|Herzog with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in November 2022]] In October 2021, Herzog announced the establishment of the Israeli Climate Forum under the auspices of the Office of the President, appointing former Member of Knesset Dov Khenin as the forum's chairman. The forum oversees a number of working groups focusing on different issues and brings together public officials and private citizens to coordinate efforts to combat the climate crisis.<ref>{{Cite web |title=President Isaac Herzog announces Israeli Climate Forum |url=https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/1634726985-president-isaac-herzog-announces-israeli-climate-forum |access-date=6 August 2022 |website=I24news |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Surkes |first=Sue |title=President's Climate Forum developing 'sparks of ideas' to present at COP27 |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/presidents-climate-forum-developing-sparks-of-ideas-to-present-at-cop27/ |access-date=6 August 2022 |website=Times of Israel |date=18 May 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref> In his "Renewable Middle East" speech, delivered at the Haaretz Climate Change Forum, Herzog spelled out a vision for how the climate crisis presented opportunities for regional cooperation across the Middle East and Mediterranean Basin.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Israel's Herzog calls for a 'Renewable Middle East' |url=https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/middle-east/environment/1645621003-israel-s-herzog-calls-for-a-renewable-middle-east |access-date=6 August 2022 |website=I24news |language=en}}</ref>
On 28 November 2021, Herzog lit candles for the first night of Hanukkah at the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron, attracting left-wing criticism. Visiting Hebron, Herzog declared that recognition of the Jewish people's historical attachments to Hebron "must be beyond all controversy".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Israel's ties to Hebron undeniable, Herzog says at Cave of Patriarchs |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/israels-ties-to-hebron-undeniable-herzog-says-at-cave-of-patriarchs-687228 |access-date=6 August 2022 |website=The Jerusalem Post |date=28 November 2021}}</ref>
In December 2021, Herzog launched his "Think Good" campaign, with the objective of combating cyberbullying. The campaign, in collaboration with Meta, promoted respectful and inclusive discourse online.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 December 2021 |title=Herzog and Meta in Israel launch 'Think Good' campaign to change online discourse |url=https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/318206 |access-date=6 August 2022 |website=Israel National News |language=en}}</ref>
[[File:Ilham Aliyev met with President of Israel Isaac Herzog in Munich 01.jpg|thumb|Herzog and Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev at the 60th Munich Security Conference, 16 February 2024]] In October 2023, Herzog accused the residents of the Gaza Strip of collective responsibility for the Hamas attack on Israel.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Reed |first1=John |last2=Srivastava |first2=Mehul |title=Israel tells 1.1mn people to leave northern Gaza |url=https://www.ft.com/content/8ea2374e-c21c-4232-bc69-615e36b26caa |website=Financial Times |date=13 October 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Blumenthal |first1=Paul |title=Israeli President Says There Are No Innocent Civilians In Gaza |url=https://news.yahoo.com/israeli-president-says-no-innocent-154330724.html |website=Y! News |publisher=Huffpost |date=13 October 2023}}</ref> On 17 October 2023, Herzog said that accusations that Israel caused the al-Ahli Arab Hospital explosion were "a 21st-century blood libel".<ref>{{cite web|first=Lazar|last=Berman|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/herzog-says-accusations-israel-is-behind-gaza-hospital-blast-are-blood-libel/|title=Herzog says accusations Israel is behind Gaza hospital blast are 'blood libel'|work=The Times of Israel|date=17 October 2023}}</ref> On 22 October, he told Britain's Sky News that Hamas fighters captured by Israel were carrying instructions from al-Qaeda on how to make chemical weapons, including a chemical bomb, saying "we are dealing with ISIS, al-Qaeda and Hamas".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hamas terrorists were carrying instructions on how to make chemical weapons, Israeli president claims |url=https://news.sky.com/story/hamas-terrorists-were-carrying-instructions-on-how-to-make-chemical-weapons-israeli-president-claims-12990547 |access-date=22 October 2023 |website=Sky News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Spiro |first=Amy |title=Herzog reveals to Sky News: Hamas had instructions on how to produce chemical weapons |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/herzog-reveals-to-sky-news-hamas-had-instructions-on-how-to-produce-chemical-weapons/ |access-date=22 October 2023 |website=The Times of Israel |date=22 October 2023 }}</ref>
On 1 December 2023, Herzog attended the COP28 climate summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates,<ref>{{cite news |title=Israeli President Due in UAE in First Foreign Trip Since War |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-11-29/israel-s-president-due-in-uae-in-first-foreign-trip-since-war |work=Bloomberg |date=29 November 2023}}</ref> where he met with Qatar's Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.<ref>{{cite news |title=As truce ends, Herzog, Qatari Emir seen in first public meeting of countries' leaders |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/as-truce-ends-herzog-qatari-emir-seen-in-first-public-meeting-of-countries-leaders/ |work=The Times of Israel |date=1 December 2023}}</ref>
During Herzog's 2024 visit to the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, the Swiss Federal Prosecutor's Office announced that it was investigating a criminal complaint against him. The nature of the complaint was not disclosed but is believed to be related to the Gaza war.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/israel-president-hit-with-criminal-complaint-in-switzerland-heres-why-101705663891706.html |title = Israel president hit with criminal complaint in Switzerland. Here's why | newspaper = The Hindustan Times | date = 19 January 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | newspaper = Reuters | date = 19 January 2024 | url = https://www.reuters.com/world/switzerland-says-israeli-president-subject-criminal-complaints-davos-2024-01-19/ |title = Switzerland says Israeli president subject of criminal complaints at Davos}}</ref>
He called South Africa's genocide case against Israel in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) a "blood libel" against Jews.<ref>{{cite news |title=Herzog says South Africa twisted his words for ICJ genocide case |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/herzog-says-south-africa-twisted-his-words-for-icj-genocide-case/ |work=The Times of Israel |date=12 February 2024}}</ref> On 28 March 2024, Herzog said he considered US President Joe Biden to be a "great friend of Israel".<ref>{{cite news |title=Herzog emphasizes special 'unbreakable' American-Israeli bond |url=https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/diplomacy/artc-herzog-emphasizes-special-unbreakable-american-israeli-bond |work=i24NEWS |date=28 March 2024}}</ref>
Herzog initially denied any Israeli involvement in the 2024 Lebanon pager explosions, despite Israel later acknowledging responsibility.<ref>{{cite news |title=Israel-Lebanon latest: Israel had 'no connection' with deadly exploding pager attack, president claims |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/israel-lebanon-hezbollah-pager-attack-haifa-latest-b2616933.html |work=The Independent |date=22 September 2024}}</ref> [[File:Isaac Herzog, President of the State of Israel, met with Joe Biden, President of the United States. At the White House, November 12, 2024 (8).jpg|thumb|250px|Herzog with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House in Washington, D.C., 12 November 2024]] On 12 November 2024, Herzog arrived in Washington, D.C. for a state visit and met with U.S. President Joe Biden. He told Biden: "In the Bible, it says that Joseph will strengthen Israel. And clearly, Mr. President, you've done that."<ref>{{cite news |title='Joseph strengthened Israel': Herzog hails Biden in last Oval Office visit with US president |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/strengthened-israel-herzog-hails-biden-in-last-oval-office-visit-with-us-president/ |work=The Times of Israel |date=13 November 2024}}</ref>
On 21 November 2024, the UN-backed International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. Herzog condemned the ICC's decision, saying, "It ignores Hamas's cynical use of its own people as human shields. It ignores the basic fact that Israel was barbarically attacked and has the duty and right to defend its people. It ignores the fact that Israel is a vibrant democracy, acting under international humanitarian law, and going to great lengths to provide for the humanitarian needs of the civilian population."<ref>{{cite news |title=Herzog pans ICC decision as 'a dark day for justice and humanity' |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/herzog-pans-icc-decision-as-a-dark-day-for-justice-and-humanity/ |work=The Times of Israel |date=21 November 2024}}</ref>
In 2025, Herzog's Voice of the People initiative to gather a range of Jewish voices from all over the world to discuss issues and challenges affecting the Jewish people and to transform this dialogue into actionable strategies took place.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.voiceofthepeople.network/about/ |title=Voice of the People|publisher=Voice of the People|access-date=12 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.president.gov.il/en/word/|title=Time to Talk|publisher=Office of the President|access-date=12 February 2025}}</ref> He met with Pope Leo XIV in September 2025: the Vatican's press release states that "hope was expressed" during their discussion "for a prompt resumption of negotiations" regarding the Israeli hostages held by Hamas and the ending of the Gaza conflict.<ref>Holy See Press Office, [https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2025/09/04/250904c.html Press Release: Audience with the President of the State of Israel, 04.09.2025], accessed on 5 September 2025</ref>
On 30 November 2025, Netanyahu formally asked Herzog for a pardon on his corruption cases,<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 November 2025 |title=Israel's Netanyahu urges president to pardon corruption cases |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/11/30/netanyahu-writes-to-israeli-president-requesting-pardon-in-corruption-cases |access-date=1 December 2025 |website=Al Jazeera}}</ref> and Herzog reiterated that "the well-being of the Israeli people is my first, second, and third priority".<ref>{{Cite web |title='God Gave Me This Role at This Moment' |publisher=Politico |date=6 December 2025 |url=https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2025/12/06/israel-president-isaac-herzog-netanyahu-mamdani-interview-00674658 |first=Felicia |last=Schwartz}}</ref> On 11 March 2026, United States President Donald Trump referred to Herzog as "a weak and pathetic guy" due to Herzog's waiting to receive a legal opinion from the Ministry of Justice before making his decision on the pardon.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sharon |first=Jeremy |date=11 March 2026 |title=Trump: Herzog is ‘weak and pathetic’ for not granting Netanyahu a pardon |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/minister-reportedly-backs-netanyahu-pardon-in-position-paper-submitted-to-president/ |access-date=24 March 2026 |work=The Times of Israel}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=11 March 2026 |title='Weak and pathetic': Trump calls out Herzog over Netanyahu pardon |url=https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/423782 |access-date=24 March 2026 |work=Israel National News}}</ref> The opinion paper of the Justice Ministry was submitted to Herzog, to be first reviewed by his legal advisor Michal Tzuk, on 24 March 2026 by Heritage Minister Amichay Eliyahu as the Justice Minister Yariv Levin recused himself because of the conflict of interest created by his having served as a witness for the defense in the trial of Netanyahu, with Eliyahu reportedly advising in favour of a pardon in order to "heal the rifts" within the Israeli political fabric, going against the recommendation of the Pardons Department.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sahron |first=Jeremy |date=24 March 2026 |title=Minister reportedly backs Netanyahu pardon in position paper submitted to president |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/minister-reportedly-backs-netanyahu-pardon-in-position-paper-submitted-to-president/ |access-date=24 March 2026 |work=The Times of Israel}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Maanit |first=Chen |last2=Shpigel |first2=Noa |date=24 March 2026 |title=Stand-in Justice Minister Formally Recommends That President Herzog Pardon Netanyahu |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/israel-politics/2026-03-24/ty-article/.premium/stand-in-justice-minister-formally-recommends-that-herzog-pardon-netanyahu/0000019d-1ef7-d72c-a5fd-9eff2fc30000 |access-date=24 March 2026 |work=Haaretz}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=24 March 2026 |title=Stand-in for Israel’s justice minister submits Netanyahu pardon recommendation |url=https://www.jns.org/news/israel-news/stand-in-for-israels-justice-minister-submits-netanyah-pardon-recommendation |access-date=25 March 2026 |work=Jewish News Syndicate}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=30 March 2026 |title=Netanyahu pardon request: Israeli President’s Office requests more information |url=https://www.jns.org/news/israel-news/netanyahu-pardon-request-israeli-presidents-office-requests-more-information |access-date=30 March 2026 |work=Jewish News Syndicate}}</ref> In early April 2026, Herzog's office wrote in the context of the 2026 Iran War that "At a time when we are all mobilized, the president is not dealing with the pardon issue."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Azulay |first=Moran |date=5 April 2026 |title=Herzog: Not dealing with Netanyahu pardon while we're all mobilized. Israel is a sovereign nation of law |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/vyz0v7g12 |access-date=6 April 2026 |work=Ynet Global}}</ref>
After Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that he had invited Herzog to visit Australia in February 2026 to comfort the Jewish community in the wake of the 2025 Bondi Beach shooting, protests were sparked due to Herzog's involvement with the Gaza war.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-06/herzog-will-be-aware-controversy-wont-be-arrested-in-australia/106311734 |access-date=6 February 2026 |archive-date=6 February 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260206015655/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-06/herzog-will-be-aware-controversy-wont-be-arrested-in-australia/106311734 |date=6 February 2026 |title=What Israel's President Isaac Herzog has said about Gaza, and why he won't be arrested in Australia |publisher=ABC News (Australia) |first=Nick |last=Dole |location=Jerusalem}}</ref> Some members of the governing Labor Party in New South Wales indicated that they would protest Herzog's visit.<ref>{{cite news |work=Guardian Australia |first1=Jordyn |last1=Beazley |name-list-style=and |first2=Penry |last2=Buckley |date=4 February 2026 |access-date=6 February 2026 |archive-date=5 February 2026 |title=NSW Labor politicians to protest Israeli president Isaac Herzog's visit in defiance of premier |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260205101823/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/feb/04/israel-president-isaac-herzog-visit-labor-backbenchers |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/feb/04/israel-president-isaac-herzog-visit-labor-backbenchers |url-status=live}}</ref> The invitation of Herzog split opinion within the Australian Jewish community, with the decision praised by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry and criticized by the Jewish Council of Australia.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tingle |first=Laura |date=6 February 2026 |title=Albanese's invitation to Herzog is a shift in his approach to Israel |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-07/isaac-herzog-visit-australia/106294858 |access-date=18 March 2026 |work=ABC News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=McLeod |first=Catie |last2=Doherty |first2=Ben |last3=Bucci |first3=Nino |date=15 February 2026 |title=Isaac Herzog’s four days in Australia left him ‘energised’. For the Jewish community, some saw solidarity while others felt ‘serious angst’ |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/feb/14/isaac-herzog-australia-visit-reaction-ntwnfb |access-date=18 March 2026 |work=The Guardian}}</ref> Police presence was increased around Sydney for his visit,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/nsw-police-deploy-3000-officers-for-herzog-s-visit-protesters-put-on-notice-20260206-p5o04i.html |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=6 February 2026 |first=Amber |last=Schultz |date=6 February 2026 |title=NSW Police deploy thousands of officers for Herzog's visit, protesters put on notice |archive-date=6 February 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260206000000/https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/nsw-police-deploy-3000-officers-for-herzog-s-visit-protesters-put-on-notice-20260206-p5o04i.html}} [https://archive.tyoday/20260206010810/https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/nsw-police-deploy-3000-officers-for-herzog-s-visit-protesters-put-on-notice-20260206-p5o04i.html Alt URL]</ref> and large protests were held in every capital city on each day of his stay.<ref>{{cite web | last1=Olbrycht-Palmer | first1=Joseph | last2=Williamson | first2=Joanne | title=More protests planned against Israel President Herzog in Canberra | website=news.com.au | date=10 February 2026 | url=https://www.news.com.au/national/politics/nsw-greens-mp-blames-herzog-protest-injury-on-chris-minns/news-story/a7e58f4e290f96c84c9c03d9b5a4c5d5 | access-date=13 February 2026}}</ref> The New South Wales Police watchdog launched an investigation into the conduct of police officers after there were violent clashes between police and protesters in Sydney.<ref>{{cite news | last=Livingstone | first=Helen | title=Sydney police to be investigated by watchdog after anti-Herzog protest violence | work=BBC News | date=13 February 2026 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crk84ggrv33o | access-date=13 February 2026}}</ref>
During his 2026 Australian state visit, Herzog visited Bondi Beach memorial site, where he also met survivors and victims' families.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62grw02gpjo | title = Israeli president Isaac Herzog lays wreath at Bondi at start of controversial visit|date=9 February 2026|website=www.bbc.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=8 February 2026 |title=Live: Isaac Herzog lays wreath at Bondi to commemorate victims of antisemitic attack |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-09/isaac-herzog-to-visit-israel-president-bondi-attacks/106320994 |access-date=9 February 2026 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}</ref> Albanese also asked Herzog about the criminal prosecution of the Israel Defense Forces personnel who killed Zomi Frankcom, an Australian aid worker in the Gaza Strip, in Palestine, who was killed by an Israeli airstrike on the World Central Kitchen aid convoy she was travelling in.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Henderson |first1=Anna |last2=Yosufzai |first2=Rashida |title=Albanese says he raised criminal charges over Zomi Frankcom's killing with Isaac Herzog |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/zomi-frankcoms-brother-seeks-answers-from-israels-president-over-her-death-in-gaza/qglvohe2h |access-date=6 March 2026 |work=SBS News |date=12 February 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260214105926/https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/zomi-frankcoms-brother-seeks-answers-from-israels-president-over-her-death-in-gaza/qglvohe2h |archive-date=14 February 2026 |url-status=live}}</ref> Herzog also met with Mike Burgess, the head of Australia's domestic intelligence agency, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, during his visit to Australia.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Doherty |first1=Ben |title=Isaac Herzog held secret meeting with Asio boss during Australia trip, intelligence agency confirms |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/mar/03/isaac-herzog-israeli-president-asio-meeting-australia-visit-ntwnfb |access-date=6 March 2026 |work=The Guardian |date=3 March 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260304022722/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/mar/03/isaac-herzog-israeli-president-asio-meeting-australia-visit-ntwnfb |archive-date=4 March 2026 |url-status=live}}</ref>
In early March 2026, Herzog argued in favour of the 2026 Iran War, saying "I think NATO members should support it, I think European nations should support it, because we are actually protecting Europe by doing this", and said that the decision to begin the war was taken by the United States, with Herzog saying "This is a decision of President Trump,... he's the leader of the free world. He doesn't need Israel to take him anywhere."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Biermann |first=Til |date=10 March 2026 |title=Israeli president defends war with Iran, says targeted oil sites were 'not the oil reserves of the people' |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/israeli-president-interview-defends-war-targeting-iran-oil-sites-2026-3 |access-date=25 March 2026 |work=Business Insider}}</ref> Speaking to BBC journalist Laura Kuenssberg, Herzog said that his "mind boggles" over challenges that Israel's participation in the war was illegal, arguing that the war was a defensive one for Israel.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Muller-Heyndyk |first=Rachel |date=8 March 2026 |title='Mind boggles' at doubts over legality of Iran war, Israeli president says |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyxp780xvro |access-date=25 March 2026 |work=BBC News}}</ref> During the war, Herzog visited sites across the country which had been struck, meeting with residents and emergency rescue volunteers.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Genn |first=James |date=16 March 2026 |title=WATCH: 'Weapon of the weak': Herzog visits Rishon Lezion missile impact site, damaged residence |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-890140 |access-date=25 March 2026 |work=The Jerusalem Post}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=18 March 2026 |title=Herzog mourns Ramat Gan victims of Iran cluster missile |url=https://www.jns.org/news/israel-news/herzog-mourns-ramat-gan-victims-of-iran-cluster-missile |access-date=25 March 2026 |work=Jewish News Syndicate}}</ref> After a press conference he gave in Kiryat Shmona, at which he called for the establishment of “strategic depth inside Lebanon” as a "buffer" through the occupation of southern Lebanon, a missile strike occurred nearby, with Herzog having to take shelter.<ref>{{Cite news |date=23 March 2026 |title=Moment missile strikes shortly after Israeli president’s visit |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/video/newsfeed/2026/3/23/moment-missile-strikes-shortly-after-israeli-presidents-visit |access-date=25 March 2026 |work=Al Jazeera}}</ref> While visiting an absorption centre of the Jewish Agency in Jerusalem on 18 March 2026, Herzog encouraged aliyah in the context of the ongoing war, saying “Even in a complex period, we continue to grow, build and strengthen together. Immigration to Israel and the absorption taking place here are the clearest and strongest answers to all those who seek to undermine us".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Altshul |first=Sharon |date=19 March 2026 |title=Herzog: Aliyah during wartime is the clearest answer to those who seek to undermine Israel |url=https://www.jns.org/news/israel-news/herzog-aliyah-during-wartime-is-the-clearest-answer-to-those-who-seek-to-undermine-israel |access-date=25 March 2026 |work=Jewish News Syndicate}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=18 March 2026 |title=Herzog visits Jerusalem absorption center, hails wave of new immigrants |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-890468 |access-date=25 March 2026 |work=The Jerusalem Post}}</ref>
After the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa was blocked by police from preparing for the celebration of Palm Sunday Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre due to a ban on large gatherings on 29 March 2026, Herzog called Pizaballa to express his regret over the incident and to say "that the incident stemmed from security concerns due to the continuous threat of missile attacks from the Iranian terror regime against the civilian population in Israel, following previous incidents in which Iranian missiles fell in the area of the Old City of Jerusalem in recent days".<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 March 2026 |title=Israel to allow Church leaders to celebrate Holy Week, Easter at holy sites, Latin patriarchate says |url=https://www.catholicregister.org/item/3678-israel-to-allow-church-leaders-to-celebrate-holy-week-easter-at-holy-sites-latin-patriarchate-says |access-date=30 March 2026 |work=The Catholic Register}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=30 March 2026 |title=President Herzog speaks with the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pizzaballa |url=https://www.gov.il/en/pages/news-patrairch-29032026 |access-date=30 March 2026 |work=Prime Minister's Office Government Press Office}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Davies |first=Maia |date=30 March 2026 |title=Latin Patriarch will have access to Jerusalem holy site after police stopped entry |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg0128z41eo |access-date=30 March 2026 |work=BBC News}}</ref>
After receiving a petition signed by Diaspora Jews including former ambassadors to Israel which was organised by The London Initiative calling for his intervention in the context of increased violence and killings by settlers in the West Bank, Herzog responded saying "In recent weeks, I have spoken with security and law enforcement representatives and have demanded that they employ all available means to bring those responsible to justice and to put an end to this unacceptable phenomenon," and that "this kind of violence against innocents further plays... into the hands of Israel's detractors, fueling hatred that weakens us as a nation and jeopardizes Jews everywhere."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cramer |first=Philissa |date=27 March 2026 |title=Hundreds of Diaspora leaders call for action against ‘Jewish-extremist terror in the West Bank’ |url=https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-891400 |access-date=30 March 2026 |work=The Jerusalem Post}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Zanger-Nadis |first=Maya |date=30 March 2026 |title=Settler violence spikes amid Iran war, Herzog responds to Diaspora Jews' call for action |url=https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-891695 |access-date=30 March 2026 |work=The Jerusalem Post}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Gilson |first=Grace |date=30 March 2026 |title=IDF suspends unit that detained CNN crew in the West Bank, as Herzog condemns settler violence |url=https://www.jta.org/2026/03/30/israel/idf-suspends-unit-that-detained-cnn-crew-in-the-west-bank-as-herzog-condemns-settler-violence |access-date=30 March 2026 |work=Jewish Telegraphic Agency}}</ref>
On 13 April 2026, it was announced that Herzog would award President of Argentina Javier Milei with the Presidential Medal of Honor, with the announcement of Herzog's office describing the award for Milei as "recognition of his consistent and outspoken commitment to Israel since assuming office in 2023".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Genn |first=James |date=13 April 2026 |title=President Herzog to award Argentina's Javier Milei with Presidential Medal of Honor |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-892879 |access-date=14 April 2026 |work=The Jerusalem Post}}</ref>
== Personal life == Herzog is married to Michal, a lawyer, and has three sons. He resides in his childhood home in the Tzahala neighborhood of Tel Aviv.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sarid |first=Yossi |author-link=Yossi Sarid |date=22 August 2008 |title=Is this security? |work=Haaretz |url=https://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/opinion/is-this-security-1.252478 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605235305/http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/opinion/is-this-security-1.252478 |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 June 2011 |access-date=26 March 2015}}</ref>
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== {{Commons category}} {{Wikiquote}} *[https://main.knesset.gov.il/en/MK/APPS/mk/mk-personal-details/740 Isaac Herzog] at the Knesset website *[https://www.gov.il/en/Departments/People/president-isaac-herzog Isaac Herzog] at the President of the State of Israel website
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{{Israelpres}} {{Opposition leaders (Israel)}} {{Israeli Housing and Construction Ministers}} {{Israeli Tourism Ministers}} {{Israeli Welfare and Social Services Ministers}} {{Heads of state of republics}} {{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Herzog, Isaac}} Category:Isaac Herzog Category:1960 births Category:Living people Category:20th-century Israeli lawyers Category:21st-century Israeli lawyers Category:Children of presidents of Israel Category:Cornell University alumni Category:Government ministers of Israel Isaac Category:Israeli Labor Party leaders Category:Israeli people of Egyptian-Jewish descent Category:Israeli people of Irish-Jewish descent Category:Israeli people of Lithuanian-Jewish descent Category:Israeli people of Polish-Jewish descent Category:Israeli people of Russian-Jewish descent Category:Jewish Israeli politicians Category:Leaders of the opposition (Israel) Category:Levites Category:Members of the 16th Knesset (2003–2006) Category:Members of the 17th Knesset (2006–2009) Category:Members of the 18th Knesset (2009–2013) Category:Members of the 19th Knesset (2013–2015) Category:Members of the 20th Knesset (2015–2019) Category:Ministers of tourism of Israel Category:New York University alumni Category:Politicians from Tel Aviv Category:Presidents of Israel Category:Ramaz School alumni Category:Tel Aviv University alumni Category:Zionist Union politicians Category:Heads of state of states with limited recognition Category:Lawyers from Tel Aviv Category:Israeli Ashkenazi Jews Category:Israeli soldiers