Israeli President in US Congress: The Islamic Republic is not seeking peaceful energy

Isaac Herzog, the President of Israel, spoke on Wednesday at a joint session of the United States Congress to mark the seventy-fifth anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel. Mr. Herzog reiterated the special relationship between the two countries, emphasizing the "close ties between the US and Israel" and Israel's "right to exist," while responding to lawmakers' criticisms regarding Israel's treatment of Palestinians. Part of Herzog's remarks in the US Congress addressed the threats posed by the Islamic Republic. He stated that Iran's nuclear program is the greatest challenge currently facing Israel and the US. He also expressed no doubt that the Islamic Republic of Iran's goal in pursuing nuclear energy is not peaceful. The Israeli President referred to the Iranian government's suppression of protesters, stating: "The regime has lost the support of its people and brutally suppresses them." Herzog's statements regarding the nuclear threat from the Islamic Republic were met with applause from lawmakers of both parties in Congress. His remarks were accompanied by repeated cheers from members of both US parties in Congress. Prior to Herzog's speech, some members of Congress, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Cori Bush, Jamal Bowman, and Ilhan Omar, announced they would boycott the session in protest of the Israeli government's policies towards Palestinians. Isaac Herzog's visit to the US comes at a time when Benjamin Netanyahu's government in Israel is advancing a judicial reform bill that has faced opposition from Israelis in recent months. Although the Biden administration emphasizes its unbreakable ties with Israel, it has differences regarding Netanyahu's judicial bill and the continuation of Israeli settlement construction in Palestinian territories. Previously, Benjamin Netanyahu had addressed Congress three times, the last being in 2015 when Republican leaders invited him to speak against the nuclear deal with Iran (JCPOA). Joe Biden, in his meeting with Herzog, stated: "We will never allow the Islamic Republic to acquire nuclear weapons." The meeting of the Presidents of the US and Israel at the White House involved discussions about Iran. A member of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee remarked that the Biden administration does not have a serious policy regarding Iran. Prior to Herzog's speech in Congress, Biden and Netanyahu discussed Iran.