President Herzog presents Israel’s liberal face
President Isaac Herzog, and his brother, Israel’s envoy to the US Michael Herzog, could help Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu reassure the concerned Biden administration.
Israel’s President Isaac Herzog returned Dec. 5 to Israel after a successful, official visit in Bahrain and the United Emirates — straight into political turmoil.
Ever since the Nov. 1 victory of the right and the ultra-Orthodox in the elections, Herzog finds himself being treated as the “responsible adult” — the moderate senior figure serving as the domestic and international face of Israeli liberalism.
Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu will apparently ask for an extension of time for his coalition talks. He needs more time in order to pass legislation demanded by his future government partners as condition for them to join. Justice Minister Gideon Sa’ar called today on Herzog to refuse the expected request, but chances are slim for that to happen.
Still, associates of Herzog believe he will continue to act even after the government is established, to enlarge it through moderate players such as the National Unity camp.
