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Israel’s Herzog Says Criticism of Israel Must Not Drift into Antisemitism
Reuters and Staff
July 19, 2023

Israeli President Isaac Herzog told U.S. lawmakers on Wednesday he welcomed criticism, especially from American friends, but said it must not cross the line into negation of Israel‘s right to exist. That, he said, was antisemitism. Herzog, whose position is largely ceremonial, spoke to a chamber packed with members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, despite the absence of a handful of progressive Democrats who announced they would boycott over issues including the treatment of Palestinians by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government…The House passed a resolution by an overwhelming 412 to 9 vote on Tuesday expressing support for Israel and saying it was not a racist state. The nine were Democrats, and a 10th voted present. READ MORE

ISRAEL HAYOM Michael Oren: Herzog can put Netanyahu-Biden relations back on track As he meets US officials, Israel’s president must ask himself: Is there anything the prime minister would be willing to accept in exchange for giving up, even partially, on the judicial reform?

JERUSALEM POST Lahav Harkov: Herzog to US Congress: Vilifying Israel is antisemitism Vilification of Israel and denying Israel’s right to exist are antisemitism, President Isaac Herzog said to a joint session of the US Congress on Wednesday, honoring 75 years of Israeli independence…Herzog’s remarks came the day after Congress passed a resolution affirming US support for Israel and calling it a democratic ally, as well as condemning antisemitism.

JNS Herzog hails Israel’s ‘greatest partner and friend’ in Congress address Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Wednesday addressed a joint session of Congress, following a meeting the previous day with his U.S. counterpart at the White House. “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. The people of Israel are grateful to no end for the ancient promise fulfilled and for the friendship we have formed,” said Herzog…Herzog then shifted attention to Iran, calling the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program “perhaps the greatest challenge Israel and the United States face at this time.