Israel's president set to hand Netanyahu rival first chance to form government

President Isaac Herzog cautioned during recent political consultations that the hostilities within Israel have significant repercussions for Jewish communities across the globe. In talks with political parties aiming to form the next government in Jerusalem, Herzog emphasized that statements made in Israel have a profound impact on Diaspora Jews. He suggested that a more amicable political climate could potentially encourage aliyah, the migration of Jews to Israel.

Herzog highlighted that no prior discussions had addressed the Jewish people as a collective until now. He acknowledged the concerns of the delegation and reflected on how every statement originating from Israel reverberates among Jewish communities abroad. Herzog questioned whether it was time for a shift towards more open and inclusive discourse, both within Israel and in its interactions with Diaspora Jews.

He also emphasized that the relationship between Israel and Jewish communities overseas often receives inadequate attention in Israeli political discussions.

Throughout his presidency, Herzog has been working to forge stronger connections between Israel and Diaspora communities. He introduced the Voice of the People initiative, an international forum where Jewish representatives from Israel and abroad convene to tackle issues such as antisemitism, political polarization, Jewish identity, and Israel-Diaspora relations.

This forum brought together 150 council members, evenly split among Israel, North America, and other regions, to devise strategies for bridging divisions within Jewish communities and enhancing cooperation across ideological and geographical lines.

During a similar gathering in Budapest in October, Herzog reiterated the importance of listening to Diaspora Jews and acknowledged that the statements and decisions made in Israel have consequences for Jewish communities worldwide.