If you are reading this from the Middle East, Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s address to a joint session of U.S. Congress this week was historic for many reasons, in celebration of Israel’s first 75 years.
We won’t overwhelm you with tons of boring political anecdotes. All we have in this special edition of Mideast Watchpost is a quick look into important policy positions taken by Herzog on Iran, peace with Arab neighbors, and peace with Palestinian neighbors.
But, first, catching President Herzog in his latest act on American soil:
A photo taken by Lahav Harkov, the diplomatic correspondent for the Jerusalem Post, on July 20, 2023, that shows Israeli President Isaac Herzog and his entourage inside an Amtrak from Washington, D.C., to New York City. (Source: Twitter)
We tried to come up with a good caption but could not beat Harkov, who is also a senior contributing editor for Jerusalem Post.
“Israel’s president, just a regular degular shmegular guy from Tel Aviv.”
Here’s another photo taken by Harkov in the morning of Herzog’s speech at Capitol Building: [Sorry, Lahav, if you’re reading this, for raiding your Twitter feed, which was very information, BTW]
Before we get to business, we leave you with one anecdote just to understand the historic significance of having Herzog on the podium at The Capitol:
In 1949, the President of the United States of America, Harry S. Truman, met with the Chief Rabbi of the newly established State of Israel, Rabbi Yitzhak Isaac Halevi Herzog, in the Oval Office.
He was President Herzog’s grandfather.
And on November 10, 1987, President Chaim Herzog became the first Israeli president to address a Joint Session of Congress.
He was President Herzog’s father.
“[T]he honor of a lifetime,” as he said this week, standing at the same place his father stood 35 years ago.
Let’s get back to the policy implications of some of what President Herzog told American lawmakers on the morning of July 19, 2023.
We lay it all out below.
Iran Nuclear Program: The Greatest Challenge That Israel and America Face
President Herzog brought clarity on Iran to Washington, D.C.
Ukraine and Iran.
Israel has no conflict with the Iranian people.
Israel is determined to prevent a nuclear Iran.
“Younger Generation of Israelis And Palestinians Deserves Better,” Says Herzog, And Praises Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, And Mentions the UAE, Bahrain, And Morocco
Israel has taken bold steps for peace.
But true peace cannot be anchored in violence.
Herzog on Abraham Accords.
Special praise for Egypt and Jordan.
Israel’s hand is extended for peace.
In Tel Aviv, A Mosque, A Synagogue, And A Nearby LGBTQ Parade. “Israel Has Democracy In Its DNA,” Says Herzog
In our view, this Friday afternoon analogy is probably the best four lines said in praise of Israeli democracy.
Herzog offered a beautiful description of the diversity in the Knesset, the Israeli parliament.
The one thing that Americans should know about Israeli democracy: “Israel has democracy in its DNA.”
“Criticism Among Friends.” Herzog on Criticism of Israel And The Relationship With America
President Herzog gracefully – and indirectly – handled the controversial remarks by Rep. Pramila Jayapal about Israel.
Herzog drew a line between “criticism among friends” and vilifying Israel.
Despite occasional disagreements, the United States will “always remain family,” Herzog told American lawmakers, and referenced the message of optimism embedded in the Hatikva, Israel’s national anthem.
“Ours is a two-way alliance.” A great quote from Herzog’s speech on America and Israel.
Americans and Israelis are alike, both seek to repair the cracks in the world.
President Herzog has delivered a moving, historic speech, laden with messages for the greatest ally America, for Israel’s neighbors in the Middle East, for Iran, and the world.
Before he even started speaking, there was a standing ovation that lasted several minutes.
President Herzog’s description of the State of Israel was iconic.
A Startup Nation.
THERE IS MORE.
TO HONOR THE CONGRESSIONAL TRIBUTE TO ISRAEL’S FIRST 75 YEARS, JOIN US IN SHARING AND SPREADING THE INFOGRAPHICS ON THIS PAGE, BASED ON PRESIDENT HERZOG’S ADDRESS. FIND THESE AND MORE ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER, AND INSTAGRAM. WE CAN EMAIL THEM TO YOU, TOO
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