From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Herzog heckled at conference, says his role is to be ‘a bridge’ to government
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleSam Sokol is a former political correspondent at The Times of Israel. He was previously a reporter for the Jerusalem Post, Jewish Telegraphic Agency and Haaretz. He is the author of "Putin’s Hybrid War and the Jews"
President Isaac Herzog is heckled at a conference at Tel Aviv University by a protester demanding that he call on the public to take to the streets to protest the current government.
“The hostages are in Gaza for 579 days and you are sitting here,” the protester yells.
“There is a question here: Is it possible to have a serious discussion or a heated discussion? If the gentleman wants to shout, let him shout. I think the people of Israel expect a respectful, serious and respectful discussion, and I also think that if we want to hear answers, we need to know how to listen,” Herzog replies to applause.
Herzog then says that the protester should be removed, prompting some among the audience to boo.
Asked if he would resign to protest the fact that the government has refused to establish a state commission of inquiry into October 7, Herzog responds “resignation is the last step to take.”
“I remain on the bridge. To be a bridge, I demand a state commission of inquiry. I think it’s the most appropriate thing to do,” he adds.
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