Israeli President Herzog Warns America Against Anti-Semitism

President isaac herzog commemorated on Wednesday the 75 years of independence of Israel before the Congress of USA and celebrated the country’s friendship with Washington, but warned of the danger that criticism of the government could lead to anti-Semitism.

Herzog’s remarks came amid a dispute in the House of Representatives on the policies of the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahuwhich have highlighted the fissures in the support of the Democratic Party to the ally of middle East.

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“I am no stranger to criticism among friends, including some voiced by respected members of this House. I respect criticism, especially from friends, although you don’t always have to accept it.he told a joint meeting of the US House of Representatives and Senate, to raucous applause.

“But criticism of Israel must not cross the line of denying the State of Israel’s right to exist. Israel. Questioning the Jewish people’s right to self-determination is not legitimate diplomacy, it is anti-Semitism”.

Herzog plays a largely ceremonial role and is much less controversial than Netanyahu, but the party of the US president, Joe Bidenhas been convulsed by infighting over the visit.

A handful of Democratic congressmen, long critical of the conservative-leaning Israeli government, which they accuse of disenfranchising Palestinians, boycotted the speech.

Herzog, who spoke of his life in NY in the 1970s, he praised his country’s relationship with “our greatest partner and friend”, and expressed his gratitude for the “commitment to Israel’s security” of USA.

“The first 75 years of Israel were based on an ancient dream. Let’s base our next 75 years on hope“, said.

Democracy

The speech came at a time when the relationship between Biden and Netanyahu is under strain over controversial plans to reform Israel’s judicial system and expand Jewish settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.

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Biden, who received Herzog in the Oval Office of the White House on Tuesday, urged the Israeli government on Wednesday not to “rush” with the changes, which have provoked gigantic demonstrations.

“Finding consensus in controversial policy areas means taking your time”, Biden said in a column published in The New York Times.

Herzog – who earned standing ovations during his 45-minute speech – said the demonstrations “painful and deeply disturbing” were the “clearest tribute to the strength of Israel’s democracy”.

He expressed his “deep longing“of peace with the Palestinian people, but described as”moral shame” the celebration of terrorist attacks against Israelis.

Visa waiver

Herzog’s presence in the United States, in the midst of Israel’s 75th anniversary celebration, was an opportunity for all Washington highlight your supportunwavering” to a close ally.

On the sidelines of the visit, the United States and Israel announced on Wednesday that they reached a reciprocal agreement in principle that eliminates the visa for Israeli citizens for short-term stays in the long term, in exchange for Israel guaranteeing a “fair treatment” for US citizens, including Palestinians with US nationality.

“The State of Israel has taken another important step in the framework of its candidacy for the visa waiver program to enter the United States”, said a statement from Netanyahu’s office.

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Israel has been negotiating its accession to the visa waiver program for years, but the United States has not agreed because of the restrictions imposed on Palestinians with American nationality.

Until now, Palestinians with US citizenship could not enter Israel through the ben gurion airport without obtaining a visa, but they had to do it for the neighbor Jordan.

The new agreement remains provisional and Washington will decide by September 30 whether or not to include Israel in the waiver program, the State Department spokesman told reporters. Matthew Miller.

Source: Elcomercio

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I am Jack Morton and I work in 24 News Recorder. I mostly cover world news and I have also authored 24 news recorder. I find this work highly interesting and it allows me to keep up with current events happening around the world.