Amid high tensions between governments, Israeli president arrives in US for second official visit, will meet Biden

Israeli President Isaac Herzog departed Israel late Monday night for an official visit to the United States to celebrate Israel’s 75th anniversary.

In comments delivered before his departure, Herzog said he was on his way to “a momentous mission to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Israel’s independence.” 

“This is a rare and emotional event, where I will speak on behalf of the Israeli citizens, sharing the inspiring and extraordinary narrative of the deep and profound relationship between Israel and the United States - an enduring bond built on shared values that transcend governments and administrations,” Herzog said in comments before boarding the plane. 

The invitation to the White House was originally extended to Herzog last year by then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and was renewed by current House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). 

Herzog’s visit comes as U.S-Israeli relations have reportedly become somewhat strained. Last week, U.S. President Joe Biden called the governing coalition the “most extreme” he has ever seen in Israel. Biden also criticized the coalition government’s judicial reform proposals, urging Netanyahu to “walk away” from them. 

Herzog said he was looking forward to meeting with the U.S. president.

"I am excited to meet President Joe Biden, a true friend of the State of Israel, who I was pleased to hear reaffirm the American commitment to Israel's security, the fight against Iran and our common struggle against our adversaries in the region, as expressed during his recent conversation with Prime Minister Netanyahu," Herzog said. 

On Monday evening, Netanyahu’s office announced that Biden had agreed to meet with Netanyahu in the U.S. before the end of the year. The White House did not confirm whether this indicated an official invitation to the White House or if the meeting would take place somewhere else. 

The U.S. administration was also quick to say that Biden again expressed his reservations about the judicial reforms. 

Before leaving Israel, which remains divided over judicial reforms, Herzog called on Israeli politicians to work for compromise. 

“I urge my colleagues in the Knesset and all public figures to strive for reasonable compromises, both on the issue of compromises and on other matters,” Herzog said. “It simply requires effort, a willingness to give up a little, to enter the room. It doesn't have to be in the President's Office; it can also be behind the scenes in the Knesset. Make an extra effort, the price is too high.” 

Herzog is expected to meet with other members of the U.S. administration while in Washington, including Vice President Kamala Harris, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, as well as leaders of several Jewish institutions. 

Several Democratic lawmakers have announced their intention to boycott Herzog’s speech at a special Congressional joint session, among them Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Palestinian descent and Rep. Ilhan Omar, who often criticizes Israel for human rights violations.

Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jamaal Bowman and Cori Bush, all progressive Democrats, have also announced their decision to skip Herzog’s speech.