US President Joseph Biden today told Israeli President Isaac Herzog in a meeting at the White House that the US commitment to Israel remains firm.
"Our friendship with Israel is unbreakable. America's commitment to Israel is firm, iron-clad," Biden said, adding that he said the same yesterday in a telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Biden also emphasized that the US is also determined to ensure that Iran never arms itself with nuclear weapons, Israeli media reported.
Biden noted that his administration had an influence on Saudi Arabia's decision to open its airspace to Israeli planes, but he believes "much more needs to be done," alluding to efforts to normalize ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
Herzog thanked Biden on behalf of the people of Israel for his support over half a century, he said.
"Some enemies think that there are differences that have shaken our iron bond. If they knew how our security cooperation has grown in the past years and that it has reached new heights, they would not think so," said Herzog, who arrived in Washington today and tomorrow will deliver a speech to the US Congress on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the founding of Israel.
Herzog also referred to the riots in Israel due to the controversial plan of the Netanyahu government to reform the judiciary and assessed that "discord in Israel is a sign of a healthy democracy."
"The fierce debate we are going through in our society is a recognition of the greatness of Israeli democracy. Israeli society is strong and resilient. I sincerely believe that we should always strive and find a friendly consensus. I strive for that even in these moments," Herzog said.
He also thanked Biden for his efforts to strengthen cooperation and integration in the Middle East, especially in finding more peace partners for Israel.
The White House announced earlier that Herzog will also discuss a range of political, economic and security issues with US Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and other senior officials.
"The purpose of the diplomatic visit is to strengthen the ties and partnership between the US and Israel and to demonstrate the deep ties between the two countries," Herzog's cabinet said in a statement.
Tomorrow, on Wednesday, Herzog, as only the second president of Israel, will speak at a joint session of both houses of the US Congress. The first was his father Haim Herzog 35 years ago.
After visiting Washington, Herzog travels to New York for two days of meetings with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, New York City leaders and members of the Jewish community.
This is Herzog's second visit to the USA since he became the president of Israel in 2021.
Biden recently labeled Israel's government as the most extreme he has ever seen and criticized its ministers' support for Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank.
The Biden administration has also called for any change in the position of the judiciary to be adopted by consensus and to respect the rights of demonstrators protesting against the Israeli government's plan.
A small group of protesters gathered across the street from the White House ahead of Herzog's visit, which coincided with strained relations with Washington. Some protested against judicial reform waving Israeli flags, while others carried Palestinian flags.
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