Israeli president highlights US support in speech to Congress.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog Praises US-Israel Relationship in Historic Speech to Congress
In a momentous address to Congress, Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed his gratitude for the United States’ unwavering support of the Israeli government over the past seven decades. He hailed the relationship as the fulfillment of an “ancient promise” achieved through the principles of democracy.
Herzog’s speech holds particular significance as President Joe Biden navigates the complex dynamics of the US-Israel alliance, a crucial partnership in the Middle East that has endured for over 75 years. The timing of the address also coincides with Israel’s 75th anniversary of statehood and marks the first time in over three decades that an Israeli president has spoken before Congress in a joint session.
“Standing here today, representing the Jewish democratic state of Israel, in its 75th year at the very podium from which my late father President Chaim Herzog spoke, is the honor of a lifetime and I thank you all for it,” Herzog said.
Reflecting on the historic US-Israel relationship, Herzog highlighted President Harry Truman’s swift recognition of Israel just 11 minutes after its founding. He expressed deep appreciation to Congress for its continued support, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the alliance.
“We are grateful to the United States for the necessary means you have provided us to keep our qualitative military edge and to enable us to defend ourselves by ourselves,” Herzog said. ”This reflects your ongoing commitment to Israel’s security. We’re also tremendously proud that ours is a two-way alliance in which Israel has been making critical contributions to the national security interests of the United States of America in numerous ways.”
Herzog also called on lawmakers to unite against Iran, accusing the regime of spreading “hatred, terror, and suffering throughout the Middle East.” His strong stance received a standing ovation in the House chamber.
“[Iran is] adding fuel to the disastrous fire and suffering in Ukraine,” Herzog said. ”The world cannot remain indifferent to the Iranian regime’s call to wipe Israel off the map. Tolerating this call and Iran’s measures to realize it is an excusable moral collapse. Backed by the free world, Israel and the United States must act forcefully together to prevent Iran’s fundamental threat to international security.”
The bipartisan support for Israel was evident in the House chamber, with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle in attendance. Representative Jerry Nadler (D-NY) even held an Israeli flag as Herzog delivered his speech.
The address followed the House’s passage of a resolution reaffirming congressional support for Israel, a response to recent comments made by progressive Democrats critical of the Israeli government’s treatment of Palestinians.
Herzog acknowledged the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in his speech, emphasizing that while his government is committed to pursuing peace, it will not tolerate attacks on its population.
“Israel has taken bold steps towards peace and making far-reaching proposals to our Palestinian neighbors,” he said. “However, true peace cannot be anchored in violence. It should be clear that one cannot talk about peace while condoning and legitimizing terror implicitly or explicitly. True peace cannot be anchored in violence.”
Addressing the disapproval of the Israeli government among some Democrats, Herzog stressed the importance of distinguishing criticism from the denial of Israel’s right to exist.
“But,” he said, “criticism of Israel must not cross the line into negation of the state of Israel’s right to exist. Questioning the Jewish people’s right to self-determination is not legitimate diplomacy. It is antisemitism,” he said, which was met with resounding applause from members of Congress.
Vice President Kamala Harris attended Herzog’s speech and is scheduled to meet with him following the address. The day before, President Joe Biden reaffirmed the US commitment to Israel in a meeting with the Israeli president.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) invited Herzog to address Congress, highlighting the alliance between the two countries as a force for global progress. McCarthy himself had the honor of addressing the Israeli Knesset, making him only the second speaker in history to meet with the Israeli government.
Overall, Herzog’s historic speech serves as a testament to the enduring bond between the United States and Israel, emphasizing the shared values and mutual benefits that underpin this vital alliance.
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