Hoyer Statement on the Departure of Israeli Ambassador Michael Herzog

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today regarding Michael Herzog, who is concluding his tenure as the Israeli Ambassador to the United States: 

“My friend Ambassador Mike Herzog has been a strong and effective champion for our US-Israel relationship, especially amid this most pivotal moment in its 76-year history. I have greatly admired his unrelenting commitment to diplomacy, bipartisanship, and the shared values that underpin the special bond between our two countries throughout his career and during this tumultuous period. I join many others in the United States and Israel in thanking him for his years of service. His departure from Washington is a great loss for both our nations.

“Incoming Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter ought to continue Ambassador Herzog's efforts to maintain the bipartisan nature of US support for Israel. The best way to uphold our mutual security and counter Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and other Iranian proxies is to ensure that Israel and the United States – and Democrats and Republicans – stand shoulder to shoulder in that shared mission. I have been proud to advance that work with Ambassador Herzog and look forward to carrying on with his successor. Cooperation between our two nations is especially important as we continue to implement the hostage deal announced last week.”