Herzog stresses elections are 'not civil war,' says he see no reason results would not be accepted

President Isaac Herzog said the upcoming Israeli elections "are not a civil war" in an interview on 103FM on Wednesday.

Speaking in a tense and open conversation before Yom Kippur, Herzog emphasized that despite increasingly harsh rhetoric and deep divisions within Israeli society, maintaining red lines remains an absolute boundary. He also addressed tensions around the judicial system, mediation efforts currently under consideration, and the challenges posed by internal and external threats, while calling for calm ahead of the election.

Herzog discussed threats to the rule of law and harsh campaign videos, including one released by the Religious Zionist Party (RZP). He said he would not accept harm to the foundations of democracy.

"Elections are a proper, magnificent, democratic process, in which people can express themselves and make decisions that affect their fate by casting a ballot at the polling station, and not through violence, crudeness, or processes that are dangerous," he said.

"It is difficult for me to see a scenario in which the election results are not accepted," he continued.

"Elections are not a civil war, not even in AI videos. Nothing will help anyone. We will continue living together the day after, and I think it is legitimate to raise an agenda, present plans, and propose bills. I think it is very dangerous to go to places that could cause people to do dangerous things."

The president also criticized political leaders and the media.

"During elections, leaders, parties, and politicians greatly radicalize their positions, and that is dangerous," he said. "They use a platform called the media, which benefits from it because it sells."

Herzog disputes account of 'NAZA' film, says IDF subject to legal oversight

Herzog also addressed the controversy surrounding the documentary film NAZA, saying that the military’s operations are subject to legal oversight.

"I can tell you with certainty, not an assessment, with certainty, that there is close legal oversight for every significant combat unit," he said.

"There is a complex process for approving operations, which takes into account harm to uninvolved people and innocent civilians."

"I personally know of operations and actions that were delayed or canceled because of this consideration, and of cabinet decisions that were analyzed in depth with significant backing from the attorney general regarding military operations," added Herzog.

When asked about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s trial and efforts to reach a possible settlement, Herzog revealed details behind his mediation proposal. He said he received conflicting legal opinions, but argued that the complexity of the case and its impact on the country led him to propose mediation.

"Because of the complexity of this issue and the need to try to reach a plea deal and end this case, which has a very negative impact on the country, I proposed mediation at the President's Residence several months ago, mediation under the auspices of the President's Residence, what is called negotiations or dialogue to reach agreements."

The president said Netanyahu "did not respond at all" to the proposal. "He did not answer yes, and he did not answer no. I am leaving the door open to the possibility that the sides will eventually come to me for dialogue, for the possibility of mediation in this case."

Herzog: West Bank settler violence directly harms Israel

Regarding violence in Judea and Samaria, Herzog took a firm stance and described the situation as direct harm to the state.

"First, I view this with very great severity and deal with it extensively," he said.

"There are many arrests; there is a lot of dialogue," he continued. "I think the immediate solution from an operational perspective is to tighten the connection between the IDF, the police, the prosecution, enforcement authorities, and local authorities. There is a possibility to do this."

The president also criticized the phenomenon, calling Jewish terrorism "a terrible stain on the face of the state and also something that harms its sovereignty."

Asked whether he believes the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) chief is not handling rioters forcefully enough, Herzog responded: "Absolutely not. I place my full trust in the head of the Shin Bet."

Amid criticism over the lack of a state commission of inquiry into the failures of October 7, Herzog said an independent investigative body must be established as soon as possible.

He explained the delay, saying that Israel "must remember that we are at war. We must remember that the High Court of Justice ruled out the possibility that the State Comptroller would investigate this."

He added that, however, "From the perspective of natural justice for Israeli citizens, it is only right that after the elections an independent and impartial commission of inquiry can finally be established so that we can investigate this thoroughly."

Herzog concluded the interview by discussing his daily meetings with bereaved families and wounded people, delivering a message of unity ahead of Yom Kippur.

"I meet a great deal, a great deal of pain and concern," said Herzog. "The concern for Israel's unity, the fear that someone here will break the rules in a way that will not allow for Israel's unity and will endanger us from within."

"That is why I am being interviewed by you on the eve of Yom Kippur, because we will engage in self-reflection and we have much for which we must atone," he concluded. "We have much to be proud of and much to be proud of ourselves for, but we have also learned from our heritage and tradition to look deeply and see where we erred, and what we need to ask forgiveness for."