Speaking to the Israel Bar Association, President Isaac Herzog warned the government against reviving its controversial judicial overhaul legislation from last year, urging unity and emphasizing that “the soul and future of the nation are at stake.”

Reflecting on the intense conflict over the sweeping reforms that divided Israel in 2023, Herzog expressed concern over a “fracture that weakened our resilience and strength” that he sees returning.

“I hear the voices and initiatives of those who seek to return us months back to the same arena where it all began,” Herzog said. “I recognize the dangerous fumes in the air, and I warn against them here and honestly ask: Is this what Israeli society needs now.”

Herzog directly questioned whether this was what “thousands of bereaved families need” or “what the wounded in body and soul are shouting to us.” His answer: “I say clearly—No!”

Herzog’s remarks came just days after hundreds of thousands of Israelis protested, demanding a hostage-ceasefire deal following the recovery of six hostages’ bodies executed by Hamas. His speech also follows recent reports of Justice Minister Yariv Levin’s push to renew the government’s legal overhaul, which has been on hold since October 7.

“Don’t you dare,” Herzog cautioned. “Let us recover and heal after the terrible break. We must not make fateful decisions regarding the country’s core values without a broad consensus and an in-depth and shared dialogue.”

He called for all political sides to engage in dialogue outside of their usual echo chambers. “It won’t help us if everyone climbs barricades on every issue,” Herzog stated, urging Israelis to “listen to other parts of the nation” and consider differing perspectives.