President Isaac Herzog delivered a strong message of unity on Wednesday during the swearing-in ceremony of 35 new judges at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem. Among those appointed was Justice Noam Sohlberg, who was formally named Deputy President of the Supreme Court.
Amid the ceremony, Herzog addressed the internal challenges facing Israeli society, urging dialogue and cooperation between the branches of government.
“The Only Way Forward Is Through Listening and Shared Responsibility”
“There is an overwhelming majority of the public that is deeply disturbed by alarming rhetoric—calls for civil war, disobedience to the law, and defiance of court rulings,” Herzog stated.
He continued: “A clear majority also believes there is a need to improve the balance of power between state institutions. This must be done through broad agreements and foundational legislation. The only path forward is through listening, partnership, and compromise.”
“We Are in the Midst of a War”
Referring to Israel’s current wartime situation, Herzog emphasized the need for unity and emotional resilience. “We are in the midst of a war. We have hostages, soldiers on the front lines, grieving and anxious families. At this time especially, we must find the golden path within ourselves.”
He reiterated his commitment to using his office to advance dialogue: “I am personally committed to doing everything in my power to help forge broad agreements that keep us united—as one people in one state.”
A Moment of Solidarity Ahead of Passover
Herzog also welcomed the appointment of Justice Noam Sohlberg, praising his background as an IDF officer, Torah scholar, and distinguished jurist: “Your experience shines through in your work on complex legal matters. I’m confident you will thrive in this important new role.”
He also praised the working relationship between Justice Sohlberg and Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit, saying: “Despite occasional differences in opinion, your partnership is a model worth emulating.”
Concluding his remarks, Herzog made a heartfelt appeal for the return of Israeli hostages: “We all feel the pain of the empty seats around the Passover Seder table. We must part the sea for our brothers and sisters—and act in every possible way to bring them home. All of them. This is a unifying Israeli cause.”
