The Israeli president Isaac Herzog affirmed the US-Israel relationship in an address to a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday, calling America “our greatest partner and friend,” while also acknowledging criticism from some House progressives. There is widespread support for Israel on both sides of the aisle in Congress and among congressional leadership, but some House progressive Democrats opted to skip the address, citing concerns about human rights. House progressives have been vocal about their opposition to Israeli settlements in the West Bank and the US sponsorship of Israel’s Iron Dome defense system. “I am not oblivious to criticism among friends, including some expressed by respected members of this House,” Herzog said. “I respect criticism, especially from friends, although one does not always have to accept it. 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 antisemitism.” The remarks prompted a standing ovation with loud cheers and clapping. Ahead of the address, the House of Representatives voted Tuesday evening to pass a resolution affirming support for Israel with a bipartisan vote of 412 to 9, with nine Democrats voting against it. The vote came after Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal, the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, made comments over the weekend about Israel being a “racist” state, which she later sought to walk back. Some of the prominent progressives who did not attend the speech include: Reps. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, Cori Bush of Missouri and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York. Jayapal did not attend the speech due to a scheduling conflict Much of the speech from Herzog focused on the consequential relationship between the US and Israel. “Today, at this moment in my people’s history, gathering on Capitol Hill to celebrate 75 years of Israeli independence with our greatest partner and friend, the United States of America, my soul is overflowing with pride and joy,” Herzog said. “Perhaps the greatest challenge President Isaac Herzog relations between the United States and Israel in an address to a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday, calling America “our greatest partner and friend,” while also acknowledging criticism that has come his way I’ve had many conversations recently of them aren It was extraordinarily well composed… He underscored (the) shared values…. Our bond may be challenged [at] times….. It is absolutely unbreakable…… Israel and the United States will inevitably disagree on many matters…….. Israel thanks you all! We know we can count upon your friendship when things get tough as they often do; and we
Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that the US-Israeli relationship is “absolutely unbreakable” despite the current tensions between the two countries.
