Who is Israel's President and Why it Matters - with Yaakov Katz

Waiting for 61: JTA's Israel Election Podcast · Nov 1, 2026 · 18m

The Israeli presidency is largely ceremonial, with limited authority over government policy. But there are moments when the president’s judgment carries enormous weight—and this is one of them. As Israel’s political parties vie to assemble a governing coalition of at least 61 seats, President Isaac Herzog faces a consequential decision: who should get the first opportunity to form the next government?

With Ruth out in the field reporting, Ami is joined by special guest Yaakov Katz, senior fellow at the Jewish People Policy Institute, former editor-in-chief and current columnist at The…