Israeli officials react to US President Joe Biden's exit from the presidential race

Israeli officials, such as Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid and Democrats chairman Yair Golan, thanked US President Joe Biden for his service and friendship with Israel.

By ELIAV BREUER, MAYA GUR ARIEH, JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Updated: JULY 22, 2024 00:19
US President Joe Biden reacts as he stands next to Israel Prime Minister Yair Lapid and Israel President Isaac Herzog during the opening ceremony of the Maccabiah in Jerusalem July 14, 2022. (photo credit: AMMAR AWAD/REUTERS)
US President Joe Biden reacts as he stands next to Israel Prime Minister Yair Lapid and Israel President Isaac Herzog during the opening ceremony of the Maccabiah in Jerusalem July 14, 2022.
(photo credit: AMMAR AWAD/REUTERS)

Following US President Joe Biden's announcement that he would be exiting the presidential race on Sunday, Israeli officials responded to the decision.

President Isaac Herzog, in a statement published to X, stated, "I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to @POTUS Joe Biden for his friendship and steadfast support for the Israeli people over his decades-long career."

"As the first US President to visit Israel in wartime, as a recipient of the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor, and as a true ally of the Jewish people, he is a symbol of the unbreakable bond between our two peoples. I send him, @FLOTUS Jill Biden, and all his family, my warmest wishes from Jerusalem."

Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid, in a statement to X, wrote "Thank you," alongside a photo of the two leaders. 

Democrats leader Yair Golan responded to US President Joe Biden's announcement on Sunday that he would not be seeking reelection.

"There was no Zionist American president like Biden. President Biden stood and stands alongside Israel in its most difficult hour, when so many jumped ship. Thank you for your actions, thank you for standing strongly by Israel, Golan said.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant thanked the President for his "unwavering support of Israel over the years. Your steadfast backing, especially during the war, has been invaluable. We are grateful for your leadership and friendship."

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National Unity Party Leader Benny Gantz wrote: For over half a century Joe Biden has been a true friend of the one and only Jewish State, and an ally of the Jewish people. His deep personal affinity for Israel and his moral embrace of Zionism will forever be cherished and remembered by the people of Israel."

Former prime minister Naftali Bennett wrote to X, "President Biden is a true friend of Israel who stood by us in our most difficult moments."

"During my tenure as Prime Minister, I witnessed his unwavering support of the State of Israel. Thank you for everything."

Former Labor leader Merav Michaeli commended Biden's decision to exit, writing on X, "Thank you, @POTUS Joe Biden, for promoting the values of democracy and equality around the world, and for your unwavering support for Israel."

"Your wise and strong leadership, and your tremendous achievements for Americans and for democracy will be remembered for many years."

"Bless you, and thank you very much," Michaeli concluded. 

Former foreign affairs minister Tzipi Livni wrote on X, "Thank you @POTUS President Biden for being the moral compass of the free world. Thanks for truly caring for Israel’s security and future. We’ll always cherish your friendship, @Joe Biden, a great American president."

The first member of the government coalition to respond was Noam MK Avi Maoz of Noam. 

"Biden's leaving the presidential race creates an opportunity for change and repairment of the relationship with our greatest friend, so that we will be partners without sanctions on settlers, or an embargo on munitions," Maoz said.

MK Merav Ben Ari of Yesh Atid also wrote on X, "President Joe Biden is a lover of Israel, a man who stands by our side throughout the most difficult period for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. He is a Zionist, values-minded, and loves people. Thank you, Mr. President."

MK Naama Lazimi of the Democrats wrote on X, "Thank you, @POTUS," and included a photo of Biden holding four-year-old former hostage and American citizen Abigail Idan." 

Former MK Mossi Raz wrote on X, "The news of Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race is unfortunate. Biden was one of the best presidents in general and the president most sympathetic to Israel in particular."

"His commitment to the hostage deal and the vision of the two countries will be fondly remembered forever. We lost a friend," Raz's statement concluded.



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