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Isaac Herzog

Isaac Herzog is an Israeli lawyer and politician who has served as president of Israel since 2021.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Isaac Herzog is an Israeli lawyer and politician who has served as president of Israel since 2021. He previously led the Israeli Labor Party, served as Leader of the Opposition, and held several ministerial posts in the Israeli government. He is the son of former Israeli president Chaim Herzog.

Early life and education

Isaac Herzog was born in Tel Aviv in 1960. He trained as a lawyer and later entered public life in Israel.

Political career

Herzog entered the Knesset in 2003 and went on to serve in several ministerial roles. He later became a leading figure in the Labor Party and served as Leader of the Opposition.

Presidency

Herzog was elected president in 2021 and took office on 7 July 2021. His presidency made him the first child of a former Israeli president to become president of Israel.

Family background

Herzog is the son of Chaim Herzog, Israel’s sixth president. This family connection has been noted as historically significant in Israeli politics.

Key facts

  • Isaac Herzog was elected president of Israel in 2021 and inaugurated on 7 July 2021.
  • He served as chairman of the Labor Party and the Zionist Union alliance from 2013 to 2017.
  • He was Leader of the Opposition in Israel from 2013 to 2018.
  • Before becoming president, he held multiple ministerial posts in Israeli governments.
  • He is the first son of an Israeli president to become president himself.
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Canadian context

Isaac Herzog has relevance to Canadian readers through Canada-Israel diplomatic relations, international politics, and coverage of Middle East affairs.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Isaac Herzog?
Isaac Herzog is an Israeli lawyer and politician who has been president of Israel since 2021.
When was Isaac Herzog born?
He was born on 22 September 1960 in Tel Aviv, Israel.
What political roles did he hold before becoming president?
He served as a member of the Knesset, several ministerial posts, chairman of the Labor Party, and Leader of the Opposition.
When did he become president of Israel?
He was elected in June 2021 and inaugurated on 7 July 2021.
Is Isaac Herzog related to a former Israeli president?
Yes. He is the son of Chaim Herzog, who served as president of Israel from 1983 to 1993.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Isaac-Herzog
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, occupation, and role as president of Israel since 2021.
  2. The Jewish Agency for Israel — https://www.thejewishagency.org/isaac-herzog-bio/
    Supports: Career history including Knesset service, party leadership, ministerial roles, and family background.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_Herzog
    Supports: Election to the presidency in 2021, inauguration date, and prior roles as Labor Party chair and opposition leader.
  4. The Guardian — https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/sep/04/who-is-isaac-herzog-named-in-icj-ruling-for-incendiary-comments-fuelling-israel-gaza-war
    Supports: Context on Herzog as Israel's president and his role in contemporary international coverage.