Isaac Herzog
“In my conversations with them, one request kept repeating, touching and heartfelt: that we maintain unity. That we not allow disputes to dismantle what held us together in the most difficult moments,” the president wrote.
“Ichilov Medical Center is preparing to receive our hostages with open and professional hands,” Isaac Herzog said.
The Israeli president paid his respects “to honor and salute the heroes of Israel as we await the return of the kidnapped for whom they fought.”
The annual weeklong evangelical show of support for Israel is the largest solidarity mission to Israel since the war against Hamas started two years ago following the October 7 massacre.
The Israeli president met three female IDF soldiers kidnapped to Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023, and later released from Hamas captivity.
“It will only embolden the forces of darkness,” said the Israeli president.
The Jewish state and the U.S. “drink from the same fountain” of biblical values, the president told the largest-ever delegation of American lawmakers.
Security officials have assessed in recent weeks that Iran, together with Hamas, may seek to target official Israeli assets abroad.
“We can argue, because when allies meet, they can argue. We are both democracies. We both understand the threat from the jihadists,” said Herzog.
The solidarity trip comes at the invitation of the local Jewish community.
Downing Street sources told “The Guardian” that no appointments would be confirmed with any minister until next week.
The one-day visit is being made at the invitation of the pontiff.
