Herzog calls Biden a ‘visionary and a leader’ in welcome speech

President Isaac Herzog adopts a decidedly biblical approach to his speech welcoming US President Joe Biden to Israel, saying “like the biblical Joseph, you are both a visionary and a leader.”

“The people of Israel welcome you to the holy land with open arms and joyous hearts, as Joseph son of Jacob who sought out his brothers,” says Herzog.

Herzog calls his American counterpart “a true friend, and staunch supporter of Israel and the Jewish people, of our security and wellbeing, your entire life.”

He adds that the visit will deal with the threats emanating from Iran that endanger the region.

The president stresses the values the two countries share — democracy, justice, and freedom, tolerance, security, and peace.

“The State of Israel in which you just arrived, is a successful, innovative nation, which contributes to tikkun olam, to healing the world—through science and medicine, water and food technology, climate innovation and so much more,” he says.

Hinting strongly at the expected announcements in the coming days around growing ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia, Herzog calls the trip Biden’s “journey of peace from Israel to Saudi Arabia, from the Holy Land to the Hejaz.”