(Communicated by the President’s Spokesperson)
President Herzog this evening (Wednesday, 16 July 2025) spoke of the recent developments on the border with Syria, in his remarks at the State Memorial Ceremony for the founding father of modern Zionism, Theodor Herzl.
“With regard to today’s events, on this complex and tense day, I emphasize: the realization of this vision – the vision of partnership and normalization in the Middle East – has several ironclad principles that the State of Israel will not compromise on under any circumstances, and the events in Syria reflect them clearly. First, the State of Israel does not stand idly by when there is even the potential for a jihadist threat over the border. Second, the State of Israel does not stand idly by when our allies and family members of Israelis – the sons and daughters of the Druze community, an integral part of us – are under attack and in danger of enduring a horrific massacre. At the same time, with deep understanding of the pain of the Druze community and the concern of our Druze sisters and brothers – I call from here to everyone: uphold the law, do not cross the border. Rather, allow the military and diplomatic effort to do its work. The State of Israel must act, and indeed is acting and will continue to act, until quiet and security are restored to our border.”
The President stressed, “And of course, in order to see progress, we must first of all return our hostages from Gaza. We do not for a moment forget them, nor do we forget the duty to bring them all home. As the negotiation teams are working – on behalf of the political leadership and the Prime Minister – and as an entire nation waits in worry and anticipation for results, for an agreement – I wish to voice my support for these important efforts, and I affirm: this is not only a moral imperative but a sacred responsibility of a state to its citizens – to return them urgently to their homeland. Every last one.”