Herzog discusses climate crisis, antisemitism with US veep Harris
Israeli president praises pick of Deborah Lipstadt as antisemitism monitor, while vice president reiterates American commitment to Israel’s security and to 2-state solution
Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief
US Vice President Kamala Harris called President Isaac Herzog Monday to congratulate him on his inauguration as Israel’s head of state.
The two discussed the importance of deepening the US-Israel relationship, with Harris expressing the Biden administration’s commitment to Israel’s security, both offices said.
Harris “also reiterated the US commitment to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and to advancing freedom, security, dignity and opportunity for people on both sides,” according to the US readout. The Israeli readout made no mention of the Palestinian issue, instead focusing on the countries’ support for Israel normalizing ties with its Arab neighbors.
The two leaders discussed the ongoing climate crisis along with the UN’s IPCC climate report released Monday which Herzog characterized as “a grave warning to all of humanity,” according to his office.
Harris thanked Herzog for Israel’s cooperation with the US to advance agriculture and irrigation projects in Central America, their offices said.
Herzog also stressed his concern over the “growing threat of antisemitism,” stating that its eradication is of “paramount importance” to him. He lauded the Biden administration’s appointment of Deborah Lipstadt, as special envoy to combat antisemitism.
