Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) released a glowing tribute to Michael Herzog’s work in Washington, after it was announced last week that his tenure as Israeli ambassador to the United States would come to an end on Jan. 20, when President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated.
Herzog, whose brother is Israeli President Isaac Herzog, “has been one of the most effective voices for the state of Israel I’ve ever known,” Graham stated. “Michael enjoyed the trust and support of both sides of the aisle, and his word was his bond. He has been instrumental in meeting Israel’s needs during this traumatic time in the history of the Jewish state.”
Herzog told JNS that he is “deeply grateful” to the senator.
“Through his unwavering dedication to the security and prosperity of both our nations, he made a significant contribution to the unique bond between us,” the ambassador told JNS. “Thank you for your friendship.”
Herzog assumed the role in Washington in November 2021 under then-Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.
After the collapse of the government of Bennett and partner Yair Lapid, incoming premier Benjamin Netanyahu opted to keep Herzog on board in the sensitive and high-profile role, despite what seemed to be ideological differences between the two.
The soft-voiced Herzog largely flew under the public radar in his dealings with the Biden administration during unusually-strained times, including as Israel endured heavy criticism of its prosecution of the war against Hamas.
Graham, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a staunch supporter of Israel in Congress, said that Herzog’s low-key approach was effective.
“As a retired military officer,” Herzog “understands duty, honor and sacrifice,” the senator stated.
“He has established himself as one of the most trusted representatives from the region and is admired across the board,” he added. “He has worked very hard to advance normalization efforts between Saudi Arabia and Israel, building on the successes of the Abraham Accords.”
Yechiel Leiter, who has defended expanding Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, was announced as Herzog’s successor.
