Israeli President Herzog Warns Of Iranian Nuclear Threat In Address To U.S. Congress

Israeli President Isaac Herzog addresses a joint session of Congress in Washington, with Vice President Kamala Harris and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy in the background, July 19, 2023. SCREENSHOT/C-SPAN.

In an address to a joint session of Congress on July 18, Israeli President Isaac Herzog thanked U.S. legislators for their support of Israel and had harsh words for Iran, which he said is building “nuclear capabilities that pose a threat to the stability of the Middle East and beyond” and calls “to wipe Israel off the map.”

The address drew praise from major American Jewish organizations.

“Herzog is a “bridge-builder” who “offers pragmatic and actionable solutions to many of the issues that confront Israel,” said Ted Deutch, CEO of the American Jewish Committee. He called the speech “a potent symbol of the ironclad partnership between the U.S. and Israel, and how it has transformed the Middle East.”

“President and Author, Herzog’s address serves as a testament to the unwavering bond between the Israeli and American peoples,” said Harriet Schleifer and William Daroff, chair and CEO respectively of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. “The timing of President Herzog’s address highlights Israel’s 75th anniversary, a moment to celebrate the nation’s remarkable resilience and prosperity.”

In a statement, the Jewish Federations of North America referred to the Israeli president’s “warm reception today by members of Congress across party lines,” which it called “a testament to the unique relationship these two nations share and the eternal bonds that unite us.”

WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 19: Israeli President Isaac Herzog addresses a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress at the U.S. Capitol on July 19, 2023, in Washington, DC. Herzog’s speech on the floor of the House of Representatives stirred controversy as some liberal Democrats planned to boycott, underscoring tensions between the two countries. Seated behind Herzog was U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). CHIP SOMODEVILLA/GETTY IMAGES.

“Herzog’s well-received speech, interrupted by applause and standing ovations, was a testament to his exemplary leadership and diplomacy and highlighted his commitment to fostering cooperation between Israel and the United States and to peace in the Middle East,” said  B’nai B’rith International stated.

“We appreciate his pragmatic and forward-looking solutions to pressing issues, such as the threat posed by Iran to Israel, the Middle East and the world,” B’nai B’rith. “He said that the greatest challenge Israel and the U.S. face together is the Iranian nuclear threat, and he went on to stress that Iran is not trying to gain nuclear power for peaceful purposes.”

Produced in association with Jewish News Syndicate

Edited by Judy J. Rotich and Newsdesk Manager