“Throughout his career, President-elect Herzog has demonstrated his unwavering commitment to strengthening Israel’s security, advancing dialogue and building bridges across the global Jewish community,” the president added. “I am confident that under his presidency, the partnership between Israel and the United States will continue to grow and deepen.”
Biden also thanked outgoing President Reuven Rivlin “for his many years of service to the people of Israel.”
“I look forward to welcoming President Rivlin to Washington in the weeks ahead to honor his dedication to the enduring partnership and the close friendship between our two nations,” Biden added.On Thursday, US Vice President Kamala Harris offered up her congratulations to Herzog as well, tweeting that he has "long worked to promote dialogue, protect the State of Israel, and champion close ties to the U.S."Our relationship will only grow stronger under his presidency."Harris also thanked President Reuven Rivlin for his "leadership, your service to Israel - and to the friendship you have shown the United States.
Herzog will take over from Rivlin when his seven-year term ends on July 9.
A veteran politician, Herzog is a former head of the Labor Party, a former opposition leader, a former labor, social affairs and social services minister and Diaspora minister and is the son of Chaim Herzog, who served as Israel’s president from 1983 to 1993.
Herzog thanked all the MKs who voted for him and said it was an honor to serve the entire people of Israel. He called his opponent, Israel Prize-winning educator Miriam Peretz, a hero and an inspiration.
“I will be the president of everyone,” Herzog said, singling out Israelis across the political spectrum and Diaspora Jewry.
Herzog trounced Peretz in the secret ballot with a record 87 votes, compared to 27 for his opponent. Three MKs abstained.