(JNS) Israeli Ambassador to the United States Michael Herzog officially took office this week, replacing Gilad Erdan, who will continue as Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations.

“The United States is the most important ally of Israel. The special relations between the two countries are based on shared values and close ties between the two peoples,” said Herzog, according to a press release by the Israeli embassy in Washington. “I would like to thank the embassy staff for their devoted work in fostering these relations, and I look forward to working with the embassy’s diplomats to strengthen and deepen the relations between Israel and the United States.”

Upon assuming office, Herzog hosted the annual three-day conference of the Israeli Consuls General in the United States. He dedicated his first day to meetings with embassy staff and thanked them for their work in strengthening the ties between Israel and the United States.

Herzog referred to his future engagement with the Biden administration, saying “there is no doubt that [U.S.] President [Joe] Biden is a true friend of Israel. Together with the administration we will work to deepen our cooperation.”