Herzog urges Israeli security forces to remain loyal to law, not politicians

President Isaac Herzog has emphasised that Israel’s law enforcement and security agencies must answer to the nation and the rule of law, not to individuals or political factions. Speaking at a national security college ceremony, Herzog said: “Amid polarisation in Israeli society, we must look only to the flag and hold fast to the kingdom.” His remarks come against a backdrop of constitutional crisis and growing tensions over the independence of Israel’s security establishment.

The President’s intervention follows comments from the head of Shin Bet, Israel’s domestic security service, who stated he remains “loyal to the elected echelon.” Such statements have raised concerns among critics who view them as potentially compromising the security services’ traditional political neutrality during a period of significant institutional strain.

Meanwhile, Israel’s military chief of staff issued a stern warning over the ongoing conscription crisis affecting ultra-Orthodox communities. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), he cautioned, is approaching its “minimum viable size” and cannot exempt entire sectors from national defence obligations. The military’s manpower challenges have become increasingly acute as disputes between the government and opposition over conscription laws for the ultra-Orthodox population remain unresolved.

These parallel warnings from Israel’s top civilian and military leaders underscore growing anxiety within the security establishment about institutional pressures and the need to maintain professional standards during a period of acute political division.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.