Israeli president touts US as 'greatest partner' in congressional address

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - Israeli President Isaac Herzog hailed the US on Wednesday, telling Congress that Washington remains "our greatest partner and friend" amid continued bilateral tensions.

Addressing a joint session of Congress as Israel marks the 75th anniversary of its creation, Herzog told lawmakers that "my soul is overflowing with pride and joy."

"The sacred bond we share is unique in scope and quality, because it is based on values that reach across generations, across administrations, across governments and coalitions, carrying us through times of turmoil and elation," Herzog said in a speech in which he repeatedly paused to allow for repeated choruses of applause to rain in.

"When Israel is strong, the United States is more secure," he said. "To us, it is clear that America is irreplaceable to Israel and Israel is irreplaceable to America."

The speech, however, comes amid growing rifts amongst Democrats over maintaining the US's unwavering support for Israel.

Herzog's speech was boycotted by prominent progressive Democrats, including prominent lawmakers Rashida Tlaib, the first Palestinian American female lawmaker in Congress, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar.

Tlaib said Tuesday on the floor of the House of Representatives that Herzog, "who is going to come before Congress tomorrow, has long advocated against interracial marriages. Did you all know that? Do you care?"

"Israel is an apartheid state. The government is deeply problematic in the way that they are proceeding in the structure of oppression. Mr. Speaker, just like I speak up against injustices here in America, this is about speaking up against violence. Congress must stop funding apartheid," she added.

In March, US President Biden said he would not sit down with the Israeli leader "in the near term" due to a judicial overhaul plan Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pursuing that critics say will destroy Israel's system of checks and balances.

But the White House announced Monday that Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to have a one-on-one meeting before the end of the year. Netanyahu has long sought a White House sit-down with Biden, but it remains unclear if he will receive the Oval Office meeting, or if it will be held at another venue.

The White House said US and Israeli officials are seeking to finalize a timeline, but pointed to this fall for a potential meeting. That would align with September's annual convening of the UN General Assembly.

Tensions with the US have also been exacerbated by the Israeli government's decision to significantly expand Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, which are illegal under international law and which the US has maintained are a barrier to efforts to achieve an elusive two-state solution to the conflict. Statements from far-right members in Netanyahu's Cabinet have also led to repeated rows.

Herzog said he is "not oblivious to criticism among friends, including some expressed by respected members of this house."

"I respect criticism, especially from friends. Although one does not always have to accept it," he said. "But 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 anti semitism."

On the ongoing social unrest enveloping his country as Netanyahu pushes through with his reform of Israel's judiciary, Herzog said he is "deeply mindful of the challenge which this moment presents to Israeli society."

"We must find a way to talk to each other, no matter how long it takes. As head of state, I will continue doing everything to reach broad public consensus and to preserve, protect and defend the state of Israel's democracy," he said.