President Isaac Herzog, with under two years left in his seven-year term, has prioritized diplomacy, Jewish peoplehood and domestic reconciliation. His flagship programs — Voice of the People (a global Jewish leadership council) and Time to Talk (a national dialogue initiative) — aim to strengthen ties abroad and heal rifts at home. Herzog has pledged to counter international delegitimization, expand the Abraham Accords and urge authorities to act against vigilante violence.
Herzog's Final Push: Diplomacy, Jewish Peoplehood and Healing Israel's Social Divides
PRESIDENT ISAAC HERZOG has made diplomacy, strengthening Jewish peoplehood, and healing divisions within Israeli society his three central priorities for the remaining two years of his term. Here, the president attends the Outstanding Officers Ceremony of the Israel Police on Sunday. (photo credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)
As President Isaac Herzog moves into the final stretch of his seven-year term, he has identified three priorities that will shape his remaining tenure: strengthening Israel's diplomacy, reinforcing bonds across the Jewish people, and mending deep social divisions at home.
A Diplomatic Focus
Herzog has made diplomacy a central focus of his presidency. Since taking office in July 2021 he has visited some 35 countries for state visits and major international events — from the coronation of Britain’s King Charles to the World Economic Forum in Davos. He says these trips are designed to counter delegitimization of Israel in international forums and to deepen relationships with partners and allies. In the Middle East he emphasizes consolidating and expanding the Abraham Accords as a path toward regional stability.
Strengthening Jewish Peoplehood
Building connections with Jewish communities worldwide is another priority. Herzog has launched initiatives to listen to and support Diaspora communities, meeting not only top leaders but also grassroots participants. His Voice of the People program convenes a global council of Jews from Israel, North America and other Diaspora communities to cultivate future Jewish leadership. Applications for the second cohort will open soon, and candidates will be chosen through a selection process Herzog says will include algorithmic tools to ensure broad representation.
President Isaac Herzog addresses the Israeli people at the beginning of the 2026 election campaign on July 21, 2026. (credit: KOBI GIDEON/GPO)
Repairing Social Rifts at Home
Domestically, Herzog is promoting civic dialogue through the Time to Talk initiative, which aims to foster honest conversation, mutual respect and understanding across Israel’s diverse population. As the country approaches the Knesset elections, Herzog warns that the principles of negotiation and respect will be tested and that leadership must work to protect the social fabric.
Responding to Violence and Vigilantism
Herzog has also spoken out against vigilante violence in places such as the West Bank village of Kusra, where reports describe attacks on Palestinian property and civilians. He condemned these acts and urged immediate action:
“The government, security agencies, judicial authorities, and law-enforcement bodies must act now, using every possible means to root out this unacceptable phenomenon and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
Leaders across Israel’s political spectrum have warned that such violence damages the country’s reputation abroad, reinforcing Herzog’s decision to prioritize diplomacy during his remaining time in office.
Looking Ahead
Herzog’s interest in diplomacy is rooted in a family tradition: his father was a diplomat before becoming a politician and president, and his grandfather used diplomatic channels to rescue Holocaust survivors. While some observers speculate about future diplomatic roles for Herzog, he has signaled a desire to focus on education — teaching and mentoring the next generation of Israelis and Jewish leaders worldwide.
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