Herzog urges party leaders to avoid, condemn incitement in election run-up

President Isaac Herzog pens a letter to party chairs, calling on them to maintain a respectful atmosphere in the lead-up to the November 1 elections, and expressing concern over rising incitement.

Noting a “discernible rise in physical and verbal violence in the streets and on social media,” Herzog appeals to political leaders to “set a personal example” and refrain from using inflammatory language during their campaigns.

“I beseech you to forcefully condemn and rebuke all incitement and violence, if they arise, especially if they come from the ranks of your supporters,” Herzog wrote.

“Let us not forget for a moment that what unites us is greater than what divides us, and that the day after the elections, we will also all need to continue living here together,” he adds.

Political figures from across the political spectrum have claimed to have suffered threats, and have blasted one another over alleged incitement.

In less than two weeks, Israelis head to the polls for the fifth time since 2019.