Hoyer Statement on Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s  Joint Address to Congress

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) issued the following statement following Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s Joint Address to Congress: 

“The heart and soul of Israel spoke to Congress today. I was elated to join my colleagues in welcoming Isaac Herzog, President of Israel, for his Joint Address. I was moved by his stirring remarks on the abiding bond between our two nations. It is a bond we have shared since the United States recognized the State of Israel just eleven minutes after its establishment seventy-five years ago. As President Herzog said, our ironclad relationship endures today, as it has across generations, not because of the absence of political turmoil but because our countries have always shared and upheld the values of 'liberty, equality, and freedom.'

“I was pleased to hear President Herzog reaffirm those values by emphasizing how crucial the Supreme Court and independent judiciary is to Israel’s vibrant democracy. The president’s clear depiction of the existential threat that a nuclearized Iran would pose to Israel also resonated deeply. I commend and support his continued efforts to safeguard Israel’s security and prevent the realization of this fundamental threat. Additionally, I was heartened by President Herzog's desire for Israel to make peace with the Palestinians. America shares that vital goal.

“I have long held President Herzog's belief that 'America is irreplaceable to Israel, and Israel is irreplaceable to America.' His sentiment reflects the longstanding bipartisan consensus in Congress that further strengthening the U.S.-Israeli relationship is essential to the security and prosperity of our two nations.

“Throughout my time in Congress, I have worked to support Israel and its historic alliances with nations across the Middle East. I've also had the pleasure of visiting Israel nineteen times over the years. These experiences underpin my steadfast belief that the stability of the region depends on Israel's security and its diplomacy with its neighbors.

“I believe that it is absolutely essential that the United States continues its support of Israel’s sovereignty as a Jewish state, its security as a democracy, and the safety of its people.”