Hananya Naftali
Nov 7, 2026
Israel's Head of State
The Short Answer
Isaac Herzog is the president of Israel. He took office in July 2021 as Israel's eleventh president, elected by the Knesset for a single seven year term. The president is the head of state, while the prime minister leads the government and holds most executive power.
What the President Does
Israel's president is largely a ceremonial and unifying figure. The president signs laws, receives ambassadors, grants pardons and, after elections, chooses which Knesset member gets the first chance to form a government.
The president is elected by the Knesset, not by the public, and serves one seven year term.
About Isaac Herzog
Herzog comes from a family woven into Israel's history. His father, Chaim Herzog, was Israel's sixth president, and his grandfather, Rabbi Yitzhak HaLevi Herzog, was the first Chief Rabbi of the State of Israel. Before becoming president he led the Labor Party and the Jewish Agency.
Key Facts
Isaac Herzog has been Israel's president since July 2021.
He is Israel's eleventh president.
The president is elected by the Knesset for one seven year term.
The prime minister, not the president, leads the government.