Israeli president calls bond with U.S. “unbreakable” amid criticisms

Israeli President Isaac Herzog used his address to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday to counter concerns from some U.S. lawmakers about his country’s military operations in the West Bank. Some members of Congress have criticized his country’s treatment of Palestinians and the approval of expanded settlements in the West Bank. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., even called Israel a “racist state.” Herzog said he respected friendly criticisms, but added they should not negate the right of his country to exist.

What did he say about Israel’s proposed judicial overhaul? Herzog bemoaned the social division surrounding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposed plan to give the Israeli parliament more control over judicial appointments and Supreme Court decisions. The proposal has sparked months of protests across Israel. Herzog insisted the country’s political structure is not under threat, adding, “Israel has democracy in its DNA.”

Dig deeper: Read Daniel R. Suhr’s column in WORLD Opinions about the state of Israel’s Supreme Court.