President Isaac Herzog spoke on Friday at the memorial ceremony for the 15th IDF Chief of Staff, Amnon Lipkin-Shahak, who passed away 10 years ago.
"Dear friends, when I talk about Amnon, about his commitment to the values of the State of Israel and the Israeli cohesion that stood before his eyes day and night, I cannot help but comment on what is going on at this time," said Herzog.
"Yesterday evening, we held the traditional photo shoot of the incoming government at the President's Residence. I know that for many here, as well as for many in this country, this period is not easy and certainly challenging."
Herzog stressed, "But I must tell you that when I see Amnon's image in front of my eyes, I realize first and foremost that no one has the privilege to behave or talk as if 'the country is doomed' or search for their passport."
"Israeli democracy is long-standing and stable. The world of values of Israeli society is not easy to challenge."
"Yesterday I spoke with the 37th government of Israel, I wished them success in their important mission and emphasized that it is their duty to act for the sake of all the people of Israel and in the spirit of the Declaration of Independence. I asked and demanded that they show the responsibility which is required of everyone at this time," said Herzog.
(Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)