A president is a boxer in the political arena, who has to intervene when necessary, but must not just blindly react to all events in the country, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said in a Friday interview with Ofira Assayag and Chaim Levinson, Mako reported.
"I'm expected to be a boxer in the political arena," the Israeli president was quoted by Mako as saying in response to critics demanding that he influence the decisions of the current Israeli government. "I try to intervene and act in many areas in many different ways, sometimes overtly and sometimes not. That is the role of the president." However, the president should not be just a simple machine reacting to everything that happens.
Herzog denied reports that he and former Supreme Court chief justice Aharon Barak were trying to find a way to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from his criminal trials. He also admitted that he doesn't sleep well at night, given the current state of the country.
The president said he didn't have direct contact with the Qataris since Hamas's October 7 attack, and said he didn't want to comment on them to avoid saying anything that could jeopardize the hostage deal talks.
Stance of state of commission of inquiry into Oct. 7
He then reiterated his support for a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 terrorist attacks.
"I have met with so many people who want to come before an objective, judicial body that will investigate this massive failure in depth."
When asked why this isn't happening, he added that there is a "deep political debate" about the legal system and whether a commission of inquiry is the right tool.
Regardless, Herzog told Mako he believes a state commission of inquiry will ultimately happen.
"In the end, a state commission of inquiry, by virtue of the law, will be established, I'm sure of it."