Special Episode! President of Israel Isaac Herzog, plus Jonah Answers Your Questions LIVE

Is Israel at its turning point – or at its breaking point?

Jonah interviews Israel’s President Isaac Herzog, who explains Israel’s non-executive presidency and his priority of unifying a debating war-time nation. President Herzog breaks down the challenging future of the Middle East, the pivotal bond between Israel and the Jewish diaspora, and his vision for healing deep political divisions ahead of pivotal Knesset elections – including the heated debate over Haredi military service and the IDF. 

President Herzog also reflects on the rising global antisemitism post 10/7, and why strengthening ties between Israelis and world Jewry has become one of his highest priorities. He lays out why he sees Israel as a frontline defender of the free world, and the role the Trump administration, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Ambassador Mike Huckabee have in reshaping Middle East diplomacy.

President Herzog dives into Israel’s evolving diplomatic framework with Lebanon, the challenges of dismantling Hezbollah and Hamas – while insisting that Iran remains “the head of the snake,” and how his Voice of the People initiative can create positive change. He also shares his hopes for Israel’s 80th anniversary.

MONOLOGUE: Jonah Phona is back! Jonah responds to listeners’ burning questions about the podcast, his favorite Jewish Broadway show, how to have constructive bridge-building conversations, and more!

MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

00:01:49 – The Role of the President in Israeli Politics

President Herzog breaks down his responsibilities as the President of Israel, primarily focusing on his role in unifying the Israeli body politics and nation.

The institution of the Presidency

00:03:43 – Haredi Draft Debate

President Herzog explains the nuances of the newly passed Torah study bill granting exemption to Heredi Irealis from being drafted into the IDF.

Contentious Basic Law on Torah study, aimed at shielding draft evaders, passes 1st reading

00:10:14 – Elections and National Stakes

President Herzog tells us what he thinks the stakes of the upcoming Israeli elections are, and his role in making sure Israelis participate peacefully and respectfully. 

Trends and Key Developments Ahead of the 2026 Israeli Election

00:14:13 – Diaspora and Jewish Unity

President Herzog emphasizes the necessity of Jewish education in the Diaspora in order to maintain Israel’s vibrant democracy, and lauds the Jewish Federation’s new bill granting funds to Jewish day schools around the world.

Israeli government, JFNA partner on $66.7 million plan to boost Jewish day schools

00:16:36 – Voice of the People Initiative

President Herzog tells us about his Voice of the People initiative, which aims to engage a diverse range of Jewish voices from 6 continents, working together to collectively identify, discuss and creatively address the most pressing immediate and long term challenges affecting the Jewish people.

Voice of the People Initiative

00:24:23 – War Front Lebanon and Gaza

President Herzog talks about the new Israel-Lebanon agreement, the challenges Iran poses to unity in the Middle East, and how the disarmament of Hezbollah and Hamas are essential for lasting peace.

Landmark Israel-Lebanon Agreement Intersects the U.S.-Iran Conflict

00:34:45 – The Past, Present, and Future of President Herzog in his Current Role

President Herzog reflects on the first 5 years of his presidency, what his current priorities are, and his goals for the rest of his term.

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President Herzog’s X Account

Office of President of Israel X Account

Written and Hosted by Jonah Platt, Executive Producers: Steve Hein, Jonah Platt, Chief Marketing Officer: Katya Chen, Production Manager/Executive Assistant: Josie Rothschild, Research Associate: Samantha Greenwald, Production Associates: Rachel Stern, Sasha Fiora, Production Intern: Emma Webb,Tatum Rosenblatt, Eden Waldman, YouTube Consultants: Jason Al-Samarrie & Zac Stein, Post Production by TIMEWEAVER, Creative Director: F. Brian Scofield, ACE, Lead Editor: Noam Klement, Editors: Gray Clevenger, Geoff McGee. Graphic Designer: Noah Bell, Theme Music by Gabriel Mann, Performed by Jonah Platt