In a speech to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, Israeli President Isaac Herzog emphasized his country's close relationship with the United States and responded to recent criticism from some legislators.
At least five progressive members boycotted Herzog's speech, including Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (New York), Cori Bush (Missouri), Rashida Tlaib (Michigan), and Ilhan Omar (Minnesota), primarily because of Israel's treatment of Palestinians and its democratic norms.
President Herzog Aims to Ease US-Israel Tensions
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (Washington), who a few days prior had labeled Israel a "racist state" and apologized after her comments garnered bipartisan criticism, was unable to attend the speech due to scheduling conflicts, according to a spokesperson.
In response, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy expedited a resolution declaring that Israel is neither bigoted nor an apartheid state. The resolution, which passed 412-9 on Wednesday night with Jayapal voting in favor, was a response to Jayapal's comments, as per Politico.
During his address, Herzog addressed the boycotts of some legislators. His speech occurs during a time when democratic norms in Israel are under increased scrutiny. Netanyahu, who leads the most right-wing government in the country's history, has indicated he will proceed with a controversial plan to limit the influence of Israel's judiciary, despite the enormous protests that have swept the nation since January.
During his address, Herzog stated, "I am well aware of the imperfections of Israeli democracy, and I am cognizant of the concerns posed by our closest allies."
Herzog also railed against Iran's potential nuclear capabilities, as the Biden administration continues to determine how to restrict the country's nuclear weapons development. During the address, lawmakers frequently erupted in acclaim and gave standing ovations, displaying no indications of discord. Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) brandished an Israeli flag.
Herzog received rapturous applause from both sides of the aisle when he spoke about bipartisan support for Israel, condemned those who seek to delegitimize Israel as antisemitic, and discussed the shared national security interests of the United States and Israel.
Israeli President Addresses Congress
Later in his speech, however, Herzog discussed the multicultural essence of Israel, noting that the Jewish Shabbat and the Muslim call to prayer coincide. Democrats, including Vice President Kamala Harris, who sat behind Herzog, erupted into a standing ovation at the remark, according to The Independent.
However, few Republicans stood to applaud the occasion. The House Republicans voted last week for an amendment that would have restricted the flying of pride flags on US military property.
Last year, when Democrats controlled the House, few Republicans also voted to pass the Respect for Marriage Act, which codified protections for LGBT+ and interracial couples.
Per NBC News, Herzog's address to a joint session of Congress was the second by an Israeli president, the first being delivered by his father, Chaim Herzog, in 1987.
He described the "true friendship" between the United States and Israel as "based on values" and lauded the Trump-brokered Abraham Accords and the Biden administration's efforts to broker an Israel-Saudi Arabia reconciliation.
In accordance with his primarily ceremonial and apolitical role as president, Herzog characterized a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians as his "deep yearning." However, he did not endorse any specific proposals.
Senior Biden administration officials announced shortly after his speech that they had provisionally reached an agreement to allow Israel to join the US Visa Waiver Program if it fulfills the program's requirements by September 30.
Vice President Kamala Harris met with Herzog at the White House on Wednesday evening. They announced a $70 million joint investment in climate resilience and agricultural security initiatives, divided evenly between the two countries.
