WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits the United States next week.
“Next week’s visit from Prime Minister Netanyahu is a critical opportunity for the Prime Minister, the President, and Congress to remind the world that America’s support for Israel is not a partisan political issue, but rather a commitment honored by Democrats and Republicans alike.
“It is no secret that many Israelis, including the Prime Minster, sharply opposed the nuclear agreement reached between the P5+1 and Iran, but now that the agreement is moving forward, it is essential to reiterate that disagreement on specific issues does not change America’s unyielding commitment to Israel’s security. I believe the Prime Minister can and should use this visit as an opportunity to reaffirm the unshakeable relationship between the United States and Israel on the world stage.
“Though the nuclear agreement is in place, our work to support and strengthen Israel’s security is far from complete. Israel still faces an extraordinary array of threats as a result of the unprecedented extremism and instability roiling the Middle East: Hamas rockets from Gaza, Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) linked militants in the Sinai Peninsula, terrorist groups such as Hezbollah and Jabhat al-Nusra in Lebanon and Syria, Iran’s continued support for its terrorist proxies throughout the region, and Palestinian leaders’ incitement of an appalling outbreak of stabbings, shootings, and vehicular attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers.
“That’s why it is absolutely critical for the United States, the rest of the P5+1, and Israel to work together in good faith to strictly enforce the nuclear agreement, demonstrate zero tolerance for Iranian cheating, and continue using every resource available to help Israel defend itself. To do that, Congress can start by passing the Iran Policy Oversight Act of 2015 to authorize additional security assistance for Israel, clarifying aspects of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and encouraging the Administration to formulate and share a regional security strategy for the Middle East, including pushing back against Iran’s support for its terrorist proxies in the region. As the Congress considers appropriations bills for the current fiscal year, I will also personally advocate for security assistance to maintain Israel’s qualitative military edge, including co-development of defense projects, and full funding of the International Atomic Energy Agency which will oversee inspections of Iranian nuclear facilities.”
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