"The first and most urgent challenge is the joint effort by Israel and the US to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. The IDF and the US Armed Forces recently completed the largest military exercise in the history of Israel and for this, I would like to thank the Biden administration.

We correctly view the threat emanating from the fanatic regime in Iran, which threatens not only Israel but also the US and the entire free world.

The need to block the nuclear arming of Iran will continue to be at the top of Israel's priorities during the Knesset summer session, as will our determination to confront Iran's regional proxies. We will not allow Iran to place a noose of terrorism around us – not in Syria, not in Lebanon, not in Gaza, and not in Judea and Samaria.

We will not allow Iran to entrench itself militarily on our borders and we will do everything to prevent it from obtaining nuclear weapons."

McCarthy emphasized, "as Speaker, this is my first trip overseas as Speaker, and it's on purpose that I came to Israel because there is no greater ally to America than Israel. And to be able to say to my longtime friend, the prime minister, just your leadership, your character, and your courage – you inspire us in America as well. You're right about our resolution honoring 75 years of Israel. I mean, we're proud of the history that 11 minutes after you became a country, America recognized you. And our bonds have only grown each and every year. And I look to the next 75 years. The world is better when America and Israel are tighter. The world is safer. I think of what we've been able to accomplish. Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East. There are only two countries in the world that were conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all people are equal. And as we continue to grow, I think the world will be safer, and stronger and our children will have a much more beautiful world in the future."

Israeli Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana invited and greeted McCarthy, escorting him on a red carpet into the Knesset after viewing an honor guard and placing a wreath by the memorial flame outside the Knesset.The national anthems of both Israel and the United States were played as the US flag was raised and many more flags flew in the afternoon breeze.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid also spoke briefly, at one of the most respectful Knesset opening sessions in recent memory. Ambassadors to Israel and invited guests were in the gallery for the speeches, which were interrupted by applause from the US delegation and other dignitaries.

At the press conference after the Knesset session, Maryland's Steny Hoyer was called to make a statement:

President of the State of Israel, Isaac Herzog, also hosted the new Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy earlier in the day. The two met for a private working meeting, followed by a wider diplomatic meeting attended by the President's advisors, Israel’s Ambassador to the US Michael Herzog, and 17 members of Congress who arrived with the Speaker as part of a bipartisan delegation.