Isaac Herzog has been elected Israel’s eleventh President, with 87 votes of the Knesset’s 120. It is the largest victory in any presidential election in Israel's history.
Every Knesset faction granted its MKs the freedom to vote their conscience, rather than binding them by faction discipline. None of the factions endorsed a candidate. This is the first presidential race in Israel in which none of the candidates were current MKs.
Herzog will succeed President Reuven Rivlin as the latter’s term ends on July 9, 2021.
He defeated Miriam Peretz, a social activist who overcame the loss of two of her sons in battle to become an Israel Prize-winning educator. Peretz won only 26 votes.
Peretz said she was thrilled that after her background coming to Israel from Morocco and going to a transit camp, she was considered worthy to stand against someone of Herzog's caliber. She said she would continue in her mission to heal the rifts in the Nation.
Isaac Herzog thanked all the MKs who voted for him and said it was an honour to serve the entire people of Israel. He called Miryam Peretz a hero and an inspiration.
"I will be the President of everyone," Herzog said, singling out Israelis across the political spectrum and Diaspora Jewry.
He will also be the first Israeli President who is the son of a Former President. His father Chaim Herzog was Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations before becoming the Israel’s sixth President in 1983-1993.
Isaac Herzog's uncle, Abba Eban, was Israel’s first Foreign Minister and Ambassador to the United Nations and United States. His grandfather was the country’s first Chief Rabbi.
The largely figurehead position of President of the State of Israel is meant to serve as the Nation’s moral compass and promote unity.
Isaac Herzog, currently the Head of the Jewish Agency, is also a former leader of the Labor party in 2013-2017.