Former US ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel met President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem on Tuesday, saying afterward that Israel’s security needs, the Arab world’s desire for regional stability, and the Palestinian people’s aspiration for self-determination could be combined in a “historic agreement.”
Herzog hosted Emanuel at the President’s Residence, where the two discussed the strategic relationship between Israel and the United States, continued cooperation between the two countries, and Israel’s standing in the international arena.
Emanuel, a prominent Democratic figure, served as US ambassador to Japan, White House chief of staff under former president Barack Obama, and mayor of Chicago. His visit came days after the United States marked 250 years since its independence.
“I was pleased to host Rahm Emanuel today at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem,” Herzog said following the meeting. “I congratulated him and the American people on the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States.”
Herzog said he stressed the importance of maintaining broad bipartisan support in the United States for the US-Israel relationship.
“In our conversation, I emphasized the importance of preserving the broad support, from both sides of the political map in the United States, for the special relationship between Israel and the United States, a partnership that strengthens and contributes to both countries,” Herzog said.
Emanuel said he was honored to meet Herzog in Jerusalem, describing the president as a longtime acquaintance and a leader committed to the US-Israel alliance.
Emanuel: Herzog a ‘man of values and principles’
“I have known him for many years, and he is a man of values and principles who attaches deep importance to the alliance between Israel and the United States,” Emanuel said.
Emanuel also warned against repeating approaches that he said had failed Israelis and Palestinians in the past.
“Neither security nor peace can be built on mutual blame or on repeating past failures,” he said. “This approach has failed both Israelis and Palestinians.”
A new regional opportunity
He said the region now faced an opportunity to bring together the interests of multiple sides.
“The aspiration of the Arab world for regional stability, Israel’s need for security, and the Palestinian people’s aspiration for self-determination can be integrated within the framework of a historic agreement,” Emanuel said. “This is the way forward, a path that respects the aspirations and interests of all sides, while demanding responsibility from all sides.”
