Herzog rebukes critics of Israel: ‘It is antisemitism’

Israeli President Isaac Herzog delivered a hearty rebuke Wednesday to left-wing lawmakers attacking the Jewish state as he heralded the 75th anniversary of Israel’s founding in a speech to a joint meeting of Congress.

“Mr. Speaker, I’m not oblivious to criticism among friends, including some expressed by respected members of this House,” Herzog said, directing his remarks to Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) on the rostrum behind him.

“I respect the criticism, especially from friends,” the Israeli president added. “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,” Herzog went on. “It is antisemitism.”

Herzog’s remarks, which drew thunderous applause from lawmakers, appeared to be an indirect reference to this past weekend’s dust-up after Congressional Progressive Caucus chairwoman Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) described Israel as a “racist state.”

She later walked back those comments and the House passed a resolution of support for Israel 412-9 Tuesday evening.

The resolution spelled out that “the State of Israel is not a racist or apartheid state,” that “Congress rejects all forms of antisemitism and xenophobia” and that “the United States will always be a staunch partner and supporter of Israel.”

Herzog did not mention Jayapal by name and the progressive leader was among those who voted for the resolution.

Multiple Democrats, including Reps. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Jamaal Bowman (D-NY), and Cori Bush (D-Mo.), both voted against the resolution and opted to boycott Herzog’s speech over the Israeli government’s purported ill treatment of Palestinians.

Earlier in his remarks, Herzog hailed the diplomatic progress Israel has made with some of its Arab neighbors through the Trump-era Abraham Accords and other initiatives.

“My deep yearning, Mr. Speaker, is for Israel to one day make peace with our Palestinian neighbors,” he proclaimed. “Over the years, Israeli has taken bold steps towards peace and made far-reaching proposals to our Palestinian neighbors. However, true peace cannot be anchored in violence.”

Herzog also touted Israel as a “vibrant democracy” that ensures the rights of ethnic, religious and other minorities.

“A country which takes pride in its vibrant democracy, its protection of minorities, human rights and civil liberties, as laid out by its parliament, the Knesset, and safeguarded by a strong Supreme Court and independent judiciary,” he said.

At one point, he also appeared to allude to a public spat at home over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s planned judicial overhaul, which has drawn mass protests and criticism from President Biden.

“Democracy is also reflected in protesters taking to the streets all across the country to emphatically raise their voices, and fervently demonstrate their points of view,” he said.

“I’m well aware of the imperfections of Israeli democracy, and I’m conscious of the questions posed by our greatest friends,” he said. “Israel has democracy in its DNA.”

The Israeli president also issued a grave warning about Iran’s standing threat to wipe his nation from the map.

“Perhaps the greatest challenge Israel and the United States face at this time together is the Iranian nuclear program. Let there be no doubt, Iran does not strive to attain nuclear energy for peaceful purposes,” he warned.

“Iran has spread hatred, terror, and suffering throughout the Middle East and beyond. Adding fuel to the disastrous fire and suffering in Ukraine.”

Herzog’s speech was filled with gratitude toward the US, saying the two nations share a “sacred bond” that “is unique in scope and quality because it is based on values that reach across generations, across administrations, across governments.

“We are very proud — very proud of the true friendship,” he added.

Herzog’s speech marks the third joint meeting of Congress so far this year, the most recent of which took place last month to hear from India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Israeli president met with Biden in the White House Tuesday, and the administration confirmed Monday that Netanyahu was invited to visit the US despite public differences over judicial reform.