Biden in letter to Herzog: I hope coming year brings ‘more peace and joy than suffering’

US President Joe Biden (left) and Israeli President Isaac Herzog speak in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, July 18, 2023. (Chris Kleponis)
US President Joe Biden (left) and Israeli President Isaac Herzog speak in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, July 18, 2023. (Chris Kleponis)

US President Joe Biden sends a letter to President Isaac Herzog congratulating him on Israel’s 76th Independence Day and wishing for a more peaceful year ahead.

In the letter, Biden notes that the US is “proud of our enduring relationship with Israel,” amid strained ties in recent weeks following the American president’s threat to pause arms shipments if the IDF pushes further into Rafah.

“This past year has been deeply painful, as Israel suffered the worst attack in its history on October 7th, 2023,” Biden continues. “But the people of Israel have shown tremendous strength and resilience.”

The US president notes that he is a “lifelong supporter of Israel” and reiterates Washington’s common refrain, that “the United States’ commitment to Israel’s security is ironclad.”

“I look forward to our nations’ continuing to work together to forge a brighter future for all our people,” Biden adds. “I hope that the coming year brings more peace and joy than suffering.”

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