President Isaac Herzog on Sunday presented certificates of excellence to 20 outstanding police officers at an official ceremony at the President’s Residence.
He opened by referring to the day of the October 7 massacre and appeared to hint at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the functioning of the government systems.
“It is no secret that on the day of the disaster there was complete chaos, and many systems failed to function. But it can be stated with certainty that the Israel Police performed impressively that day.
“Israeli policewomen and policemen were the first to understand what was happening, the first to respond, arrive at the scene and engage the enemy, saving many lives. October 7 was the most difficult and darkest day in our history, but the Israel Police saved the State of Israel from a catastrophe many times worse," he added.
Herzog condemned the escalation of crime and violence in Israel. In his remarks, he stressed the urgent need for decisive action by all sides and political camps.
“The fight against violence must be shared by all of us, from every camp, and requires clear and determined coordination and cooperation among all relevant authorities," he said.
“There is a dangerous feeling that blood has become cheap in our country. We must not become accustomed to this. We must not allow the blood that is spilled to become a statistic," Herzog said, adding that the public must engage in self-reflection “for the sin we have committed by becoming accustomed to it."
The president went on to call for expanding the operational and technological tools available to the police to combat criminal organizations and protection rackets.
“The police must be given all the tools and authorities necessary to confront this epidemic. The Knesset must immediately pass the spyware law. The government must urgently provide the police with additional specialized technological and operational resources, and consider administrative measures against criminal organizations that are terrorist organizations. The police must act forcefully and resolutely, without fear or hesitation," he said.