‘Elections are not a civil war’: Herzog urges restraint as campaign begins
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has called for a respectful and non-violent election campaign, warning against polarization and internal division. He emphasized the importance of democratic integrity and urged citizens to remain vigilant against internal and external threats to the electoral process.
Why it matters
As Israel faces a period of political instability, the President's appeal highlights the fragility of social cohesion and the risks of democratic backsliding during heated election cycles.
President Isaac Herzog called Tuesday for Israel’s election campaign to be conducted without incitement or violence, warning political leaders not to turn their rivals into enemies and declaring that “elections are not a civil war.” In a national address marking the beginning of the campaign, Herzog urged Israelis to participate in the election while safeguarding the unity of society and the integrity of the democratic process. His remarks came on the eve of Tisha B’Av, the Jewish fast day commemorating the destruction of the First and Second Temples, traditionally associated with the consequences of internal division and baseless hatred. “For two thousand years, this day has reminded us of the price of polarization, division and hatred among us,” Herzog said.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in