The following televised address was delivered by President Isaac Herzog on July 21, 2026, amid the start of the campaign season leading up to Knesset elections on October 27: 

My sisters and brothers, citizens of Israel. Tomorrow evening, the fast of the 9th of Av begins.

On this day, both Holy Temples of the Jewish people were destroyed. For two thousand years, this day has reminded us of the price of polarization, division, and hatred among us. This year, that message carries even greater weight, as we enter the period of elections.

Elections are a test of Israeli democracy, and they are also a test of the unity and cohesion of Israeli society. Elections are the pinnacle of a democracy. This is the opportunity for each and every one of us to influence the country’s future, and the fateful issues before it.

I call on all citizens of Israel to take an active part in these elections: To listen, to make your voice heard, to show respect, and to vote.

I call on all of us to exercise caution as well. About two weeks ago, I hosted in my office the Chairman of the Central Elections Committee, Deputy President of the Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg, and the Head of the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet), David Zini.

They presented me with various threats to the integrity of the elections, both internal and external. We presented a unified front on this issue, and we committed to supporting and backing the Central Elections Committee and all our security........

© The Times of Israel