Mike Herzog, whose appointment as Israel's ambassador to the United States was approved last week in the government, in his first public statement since he was elected: "I have never been a political man and I do not intend to be."
He made the remarks yesterday (Monday) at a farewell conference held in his honor by the Institute of Jewish People's Policy, where he was a research fellow.
The event was also attended by former Prime Minister Ehud Barak, retired Supreme Court President Miriam Naor, Institute President Prof. Yedidya Stern Ambassadors and Institute Dennis Ross Chairman Stu Eisenstadt.
During the event, a panel was held on the subject of the Jerusalem-Washington-American Jewry Triangle, and "How to Get Out of the Crisis" with the participation of former Ambassadors Danny Dayan and Sally Meridor.
Herzog said he was aware of the size of the task and the responsibility placed on him.
"I strongly believe in the Israeli-American alliance, in the values on which it is founded, in its future and I believe that it should be turned into a two-way partnership."
Herzog said he goes out to represent the State of Israel as a state rather than a political figure.
"I represent an unprecedentedly broad government in our politics. I am happy to say that beyond the government itself, the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and other members of the various sectors who welcomed my appointment and voted for him unanimously, the opposition leader also called me and congratulated the appointment. Which represents a wide range of Israeli society. "
According to Herzog, in recent years we have witnessed extensive geopolitical changes, and one of the main challenges in his new position will be the preservation of US bipartisan support for Israel, an issue he also addressed in his role at the Jewish People's Policy Institute.
"We have a great interest in maintaining bipartisan support. It is clear to me that many of the processes are internal American processes that are not related to us, but where we can intervene and influence then we must do so. Since I was elected I have been preparing an orderly action plan."
Herzog said he sees the de-legitimization campaign that is making Israel a significant challenge that must not be underestimated.
"We are in the midst of a war on consciousness, and the State of Israel must develop new, strong and profound tools to deal with this challenge," he said.
The event was opened by the president of the institute, Prof. Yedidya Stern, who thanked Herzog for his great contribution to the institute.
"The Israeli government's decision to appoint Mike Herzog as Israel's ambassador to the United States is nothing short of brilliant. He is the right person in the right place."
Opposition leader MK Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Herzog and said: "I know Mike. I sought his help, his skills, his integrity - during very important contacts I had with the United States government. I must tell you he will not disappoint. He has done the job in the most professional, clean and also discreet way, which means that he has the necessary skills to be a loyal and excellent representative of the State of Israel.
Congratulated on the appointment.
Netanyahu // Archive photo: Oren Ben Hakon,
I want to wish him great success in a position that is important to all of us, important to the State of Israel.
Good luck Mike. "
Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak said: "The United States' withdrawal from the nuclear deal has played into the hands of the Iranians, who in the test of the result have progressed dramatically towards a 'nuclear threshold state.'
Ehud Barak, archive, Oren Ben Hakon
Barak, who welcomed the appointment of Mike Herzog, added: "The special relationship between the Israel Triangle, the United States and the Jewish community is an asset. All the circumstances, as well as government mistakes, have damaged relations between Jerusalem and Washington. It is essential to renew mutual respect and intimate dialogue."
Barak said he believes the severe cumulative damage in relations with the Democratic Party was unnecessary and required immediate repair.
In his impression, the Biden-Bennett meeting was the beginning of a correction, and Herzog will have to work to complete it.
On American Jewry he said that a mature and responsible relationship is needed.
'True partnership.
An open dialogue between equals.
On security issues we expect unconditional support from every single individual, body or organization, however we should listen carefully to all the variety of voices rising from the community in the United States.
I expect the community in the United States to listen carefully to all the variety of voices coming from Israel. "
"Regarding the treatment of non-Orthodox groups, we do not have the luxury of giving up millions of Jews who have chosen to exercise their Jewish identity in a Reform or Conservative community. And in my opinion, it is no longer possible in 2021 When they visit Israel or choose to live there. '