In a speech before the US Congress, Israeli President Herzog emphasized the strength of democracy in his country. With a view to the controversial judicial reform, however, he spoke of a “painful debate”.
Before the US Congress, Israeli President Izchak Herzog was convinced of the resilience of his country’s democracy. “I am well aware of the shortcomings of Israeli democracy and I am aware of the questions our closest friends are asking,” he said, referring to US concerns about judicial reform the Israeli government is pushing ahead.
Herzog said he had great confidence in Israeli democracy, even if the country – like the United States – had difficult issues to deal with. There is currently an “intense and painful debate” about the policies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing religious government. But the debates, as well as the protests, in which people passionately demonstrated their positions, are clear evidence of the strength of democracy.
Herzog spoke to both houses of the US Parliament in Washington on the occasion of his country’s 75th anniversary. The course of the right-wing religious government has also become a stress test for Israeli-American relations in recent months. The US has traditionally been Israel’s closest ally and provides the country with billions of dollars in defense every year.
Herzog: USA “best partner and friend”
“We are proud to be America’s closest partner and friend,” said Herzog. The United States, in turn, is Israel’s “best partner and friend.” Among other things, he thanked the United States for its military aid over the past decades. This enabled the State of Israel to “defend itself”.
At the same time, Herzog also acknowledged differences of opinion and discord between the governments of both countries. “Israel and the United States will inevitably disagree on many issues,” the leader said. “But we will always be a family.”
The partnership between the two countries has “mastered challenges and overcome major differences of opinion because it is not based on a uniform approach, but on trust, the most important currency,” stressed Herzog. “It depends not on acting in harmony, but on the history we share, the truths we care about and the values we embody.” Among other things, the government of US President Joe Biden is critical of the Israeli government’s settlement policy in the Palestinian territories.
Applause, but also boycott
Herzog was received with applause and cheers from the members of parliament and senators present. However, some young left-wing Democrat MPs boycotted the speech in protest at actions taken by the Israeli government.
“I respect criticism, especially from friends, but you don’t always have to accept it,” said Herzog. He also warned that criticism of Israel should not go so far as to negate the state’s right to exist. In his speech he also warned of the threat posed by Iran and expressed his hope for peace with the Palestinians, which, however, could not be anchored in violence.