Hamas War

Wednesday, June 2, 2021

Why Isaac Herzog is Now President of the State of Israel, Even Though The People Wanted Miriam Peretz

Isaac Herzog newly elected President of the State of Israel

The State of Israel has both a Prime Minister and a President. Their roles are very different as are the methods used to elect them.

As I typed the final words of the previous sentence, I realized that superficially what I had written wasn't exactly true. Both the Prime Minister and the President are voted in by Members of Knesset. The major difference is that once once the President is voted in, he or she then will no longer need approval from MKs. The position is more formal, diplomatic, almost like a monarch who meets and greets foreign ambassadors and delegations. The President will also represent the State of Israel at various foreign events freeing the Prime Minister and other government ministers from these formal occasions. That's one of the reasons that in the time leading up to today's elections that the press made a big deal over the fluent English of Herzog versus Peretz's weaker English speaking abilities. 

When it comes to the public, Miriam Peretz is far more popular than Isaac Herzog. I read and reviewed her biography-click here and immediately joined the fan club. Peretz is a former teacher, and two of her sons were killed in army action. She has become a unifying symbol of faith, patriotism and survival. I have no doubt that Peretz would make an excellent President, but in the decades that Herzog has been involved in the Israeli political scene, including being head of the Jewish Agency, his political connections and smarts in Israel and abroad are unsurpassed. Even in the secret ballot, Miriam Peretz hadn't a chance.

If Peretz really wants the job of President of the State of Israel, she now has seven years to campaign.


Miriam Peretz with some of her children

7 comments:

Netivotgirl said...

Spot on regarding every point you mentioned, dear Batya! My husband reminded me that Shimon Peres lost on his first attempt to become President as well. I truly hope that Miriam Peretz WORKS during the coming years not only to help families deal with loss of loved ones killed in war and terror attacks. For, I believe she can become an awesome president please G-d. I hope my wish becomes a reality some day soon!

Batya said...

Thanks
Gd willing, she's a very healing personality for our nation.

lgstarr said...

Here's what American conservatives (i.e. MAGA/Trump people) are reading today:

Report: Benjamin Netanyahu Ousted as Israeli Prime Minister after 12 Year Reign — Right-wing Politician Bennett Joins with Islamist and Leftist Parties to Replace Netanyahu

"Israel’s new Prime Minister only got 5% of the vote. A fake conservative, this weasel sold out his nation by joining islamist & lefty parties sworn to its demise. With Netanyahu gone, I expect Biden to squeeze israel to make dangerous concessions to Islam. Another globalists win!"

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2021/06/report-benjamin-netanyahu-ousted-israeli-prime-minister-12-year-reign-fake-conservative-joins-islamist-leftist-parties-replace-netanyahu/

Sammy Finkelman said...

>> If Peretz really wants the job of President of the State of Israel, she now has five years to campaign.

Seven years, according to the New York Times (unless that is an error)

Batya said...

Sammy, I think you're right. Five years for mayor and city council if I'm not mistaken. Thanks

lgstarr said...

Another perspective I just saw on FB...I don't have enough background to judge it's accuracy or relevance though:

"Most pro-Israel Evangelicals have never heard of Naftali Bennett or Yair Lapid, only Benjamin Netanyahu — that’s about to change"

https://www.allisrael.com/10-things-evangelical-christians-should-know-about-a-possible-bennett-lapid-government-in-israel

Batya said...

If Bennett pulls it off, the Evangelicals will have no trouble getting to know him. He's from an American family.