Daijiworld Media Network – Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Jul 9: Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Wednesday stressed that the country's security and law enforcement agencies are accountable to the nation and the rule of law, not to any individual or political group.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the National Security College, Herzog said the security establishment remained committed to the people of Israel, the country's legal framework and the values of a Jewish and democratic state.

His remarks came after David Zini, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's nominee to head the Shin Bet security agency, said he accepted the post because he believed he could remain loyal to the elected government regardless of political views.

Addressing the same event, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir described the current security situation as one of the most challenging periods in the country's history following more than two-and-a-half years of continuous conflict.

He reiterated the need to expand military recruitment, saying the IDF required additional personnel to meet its operational commitments. Zamir also opposed exempting any section of society from military service, describing national defence as both an operational necessity and a moral responsibility.

Referring to the October 7 attack and the prolonged conflict that followed, Zamir said the events should serve as a reminder of the heavy cost of operational failures and the importance of learning from them.

He praised the graduating officers, noting that many had gained extensive battlefield experience during the ongoing conflict.

Highlighting the military's operations, Zamir said the IDF had achieved significant successes across multiple fronts, weakened its adversaries and improved Israel's security situation.

However, he added that military operations were continuing despite changing circumstances and that the armed forces would maintain their campaign with determination and operational readiness.