Israeli Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan, who attended President Isaac Herzog's speech to both houses of Congress today (Wednesday), spoke to Israel National News - Arutz Sheva about the importance of the speech.
"President Herzog's speech was important and moving. Despite all the statements about a crisis in relations, we saw the tremendous love and support of the members of Congress and the Senate on both sides of the fence," said Erdan.
He added: "It was important that the president spoke about Iran as a danger not only to Israel but to the entire world and we saw the tremendous agreement in both parties to the president's statements. It was equally important that he spoke about the fact that there is no danger to Israeli democracy despite the protests and disputes."
When asked about the tensions between the Biden Administration and the Israeli government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Erdan replied: "I would not define it as a tense relationship. There are definitely disagreements and it is possible to settle these disputes. There have been more difficult disputes in the past between American administrations and presidents and governments in Israel, and we will overcome this dispute as well."
During his speech, Herzog told the members of Congress: "I have great confidence in Israeli democracy. Although we are working through sore issues, just like you, I know our democracy is strong and resilient. Israel has democracy in its DNA."
He called Israel "a country which takes pride in its vibrant democracy, its protection of minorities, human rights, and civil liberties, as laid down by its parliament, the Knesset, and safeguarded by its strong Supreme Court and independent judiciary."