Israeli President Isaac Herzog delivered a speech to Congress in Washington, reassuring U.S. allies about the strength of Israel’s democracy and its relationship with the U.S. He acknowledged the “intense and painful debate” in Israel over actions taken by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s hardline government. This speech, marking the 75th anniversary of modern Israel, indirectly addressed concerns within the Biden administration and among Democratic lawmakers regarding Israel’s judicial system overhaul, expanded Jewish settlements, and other issues.
Although there was thunderous applause from lawmakers in attendance, a few leading young progressive Democrats boycotted Herzog’s speech. On the eve of his address, the House passed a resolution reaffirming its support for Israel with bipartisan approval, implicitly rebuking Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal’s recent comment calling Israel a “racist state.” Herzog respected criticism but emphasized that questioning Israel’s right to exist crosses the line into anti-Semitism.
Following Herzog’s speech, he met with Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House to announce a joint commitment of $70 million over five years to support climate-smart agriculture programs. During an Oval Office meeting with President Biden, Herzog reassured him about Israel’s commitment to democracy amid concerns over Netanyahu’s plans to overhaul the judicial system.
Herzog’s visit comes after Israeli forces carried out a two-day air and ground offensive in Jenin, a militant stronghold in the occupied West Bank. U.S. officials have supported Israel’s right to self-defense while urging restraint to minimize harm to civilians and discouraging further settlements that hinder the possibility of a two-state solution.
Prior to Herzog’s visit, President Biden spoke with Netanyahu and invited him to meet in the U.S. this fall, though he expressed reservations about some policies from Netanyahu’s hard-right coalition. The administration hasn’t confirmed whether Biden will host Netanyahu at the White House or on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in September.
In his speech, Herzog acknowledged the heated and painful debate within Israel over the proposed judicial overhaul by Netanyahu’s government. He emphasized that this intense debate demonstrates the resilience of Israel’s democracy.
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