WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), David Vitter (R-LA) and Steve Daines (R-MT), and Congressman David Rouzer (R-NC-07) announced they concluded an extensive, weeklong visit to Israel.
The trip was a fact-finding mission for the members of Congress to learn more about the security situation in Israel, the refugee crisis in the Middle East, the special relationship between the U.S. and Israel, and shared national security objectives between the two nations, including preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapons capability and combatting the spread of radical Islamic terrorism.
The members of Congress met with top Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and members of the Knesset, received briefings from senior Israeli military leaders, and discussed opportunities for bilateral economic cooperation with representatives of Israeli companies that have a presence in the members’ home states.
“What became increasingly clear during our trip is that in a region consumed by terrorism and oppression, Israel stands out as a shining beacon of hope and freedom,” said Senator Thom Tillis. “America has a special relationship with Israel, bonded by a shared set of core values and strategic interests. We must strengthen our friendship with Israel by working together to destroy terrorism and doing everything we can to prevent the Iranian regime from developing nuclear weapons.”
“Over the course of the last week, my colleagues and I have met some of Israel's top leaders, and I can confidently say that Israel's priorities are not only directly in line with those of the United States, but they are working toward a safer Middle East,” said Senator David Vitter. “Perhaps more disconcerting is the fact that our conversations last week made clear that the Obama Administration's nuclear deal with Iran moves the timeline of a nuclear Iran from a hypothetical ‘if’ to ‘when.’ We must absolutely continue working with our Israeli allies against Iran’s global aggression to keep our citizens, families, and communities safe.”
“As the threats from radical Islamic extremism grow worldwide, it is imperative that the U.S. Stands with our partner in peace, Israel,” said Senator Steve Daines. “After hearing from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other leaders in Israel it is clear now more than ever that we must work together to keep our nations and the world safe.”
“Israel is a very special ally of the United States,” said Congressman David Rouzer. “Any attack on Israel of any kind is an attack on the American people. It was an honor for us to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli civilian and military leaders to discuss what America can do to help them counter the numerous threats they continually face. Our two countries must stand inseparable to ensure their future, for anything less will threaten our own."
The trip was sponsored and paid for by the American Israel Education Foundation (AIEF), which is privately funded by American citizens.
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