Concluding speech to Congress, Herzog says debate over judiciary is ‘deeply unnerving’

WASHINGTON — President Isaac Herzog addresses directly the ongoing fight over the judicial overhaul in Israel during his speech to Congress, calling it “the clearest tribute to the fortitude of Israel’s democracy.”

He says that Israel’s democracy “has always been based on free and fair elections, on honoring the people’s choice, on safeguarding minority rights, on protection of human and civil liberties, and on a strong and independent judiciary.”

Herzog argues that democracy is also reflected in the massive protests against the judicial overhaul.

“I am well aware of the imperfections of Israeli democracy, and I am conscious of the questions posed by our greatest of friends,” he says. “The momentous debate in Israel is painful, and deeply unnerving, because it highlights the cracks within the entire whole.”

At the same time, he stresses that he has “great confidence” in Israel’s democracy: “Israel has democracy in its DNA.”

“As a nation, we must find the way to talk to each other no matter how long it takes,” he says. “As head of state, I will continue doing everything to reach broad public consensus, and to preserve, protect and defend the State of Israel’s democracy.”

Israel and the US will inevitably disagree on many matters, he admits.

“But we will always remain family,” he says to applause. “Our evolutionary societies have so much to give to the world, and so much to learn from each other. Our bond may be challenged at times, but it is absolutely unbreakable.”

“God Bless the State of Israel, God Bless the United States of America!” Herzog concludes.