Israeli President Cautions Criticism ‘Must Not Cross’ into Questioning Israel’s ‘Right to Exist’

Israeli president Isaac Herzog implored American legislators that “criticism of Israel must not cross the line into negation of the state of Israel’s right to exist” before a joint session of Congress on Wednesday.

“Questioning the Jewish people’s right to self-determination is not legitimate diplomacy, it is antisemitism. Vilifying and attacking Jews, whether in Israel, in the United States, or anywhere in the world, is antisemitism,” Herzog, the former leader of the opposition in Israel until 2018, added.

“Antisemitism is a disgrace in every form, and I commend President Joe Biden for laying out the United States’ first-ever national strategy to combat antisemitism.”

The remarks come on the heels of House Progressive Caucus chair Representative Pramila Jayapal (D., Wash.) condemning the Jewish State at a conference over the weekend: “I want you to know that we have been fighting to make it clear that Israel is a racist state.”

Jaypal’s rhetoric drew the condemnation of Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R., Calif.) and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D., N.Y.).

“They need to do something about it,” the California representative demanded of Democratic leadership during a Monday press conference. “Because they’ve defended these individuals time and again. The only time action has ever been taken is when we had to take action. This is a role for the leader, Hakeem, to prove that no, they’re not antisemitic.”

Across the political aisle, Representative Jeffries released an official statement reaffirming bilateral ties without specifically naming Jayapal. “As a Jewish and Democratic nation, Israel was founded 75 years ago on the principle of complete equality of social and political rights for all of its citizens irrespective of religion, race, or sex, as codified in its Declaration of Independence. “

“America and Israel have a uniquely special relationship anchored in our shared democratic values and strategic interests. As House Democratic leaders, we strongly support Israel’s right to exist as a homeland for the Jewish people. “

Herzog, who served as a member of Israel’s Knesset between 2013 and 2017, also alluded to growing bilateral tensions with the United States revolving around the Jewish State’s controversial judicial reform overhaul.

“I am well aware of the imperfections of Israeli democracy, and I am conscious of the questions posed by our greatest friends,” the former Labor Party member said. “The momentous debate in Israel is painful, and deeply unnerving because it highlights the cracks within the whole.”

Nevertheless, it “is clear that America is irreplaceable to Israel, and Israel is irreplaceable to America,” Herzog said.