President Isaac Herzog spoke at the Presidential Excellence Award ceremony for outstanding soldiers and congratulated the honorees: "My dear ones, I have thoroughly read your personal stories, the reasons and background for your excellence – we will triumph thanks to you." Herzog also addressed divisions in Israeli society, saying: "Even in days of serious disagreements, our strength and our unity are intertwined and dependent on each other. One thing is clear - even when there are disagreements between us, we must keep our IDF – which belongs to all of us – above and beyond any dispute."

