Herzog to represent Israel at funeral
Herzog will fly to London on Sunday, and is slated to attend King Charles III's reception that day for heads of state and royal families. Herzog will also file past the Queen's coffin as she lies in state at Westminster Hall in London.
Israel’s President Isaac Herzog confirmed on Tuesday that he will represent Israel at Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral in London on September 19.
Hebrew-language reports from Saturday had indicated that Herzog would attend, and that Prime Minister Yair Lapid – who will land a day later in New York for the UN General Assembly – would not fly to the British Queen’s service.
Israeli officials confirmed to the Times of Israel on Monday that Lapid would not attend.
Herzog will fly to London on Sunday, and is slated to attend King Charles III’s reception that day for heads of state and royal families. Herzog will also file past the Queen’s coffin as she lies in state at Westminster Hall in London.
On Monday, the President will represent the Jewish State at the funeral in Westminster Abbey.
Though attendees have been told not to use their own vehicles to reach the service, Herzog and US President Joe Biden are among the leaders who will be allowed to travel in their own vehicles for security reasons, according to the British daily The Times.
On Saturday, Herzog, Israel’s head of state, signed a book of condolence for the Queen at the British ambassador’s residence in Tel Aviv.
According to a statement published by Herzog’s office, the President wrote in the book: “On behalf of the State and the People of Israel, I express my deepest condolences on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, whose reign was momentous and historic.
“She was an icon of stability and a beacon of morality in the service of her people. May G-d bless King Charles III and may he reign in peace,” the message read.
Herzog added a biblical verse from the Book of Proverbs: “The king by justice establishes the land.”
TIMES OF ISRAEL
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