Statement In Support For The Nation of Israel
Since the re-creation of the State of Israel in 1948, the United States of America and Israel have had a special relationship based on shared values, love of Democracy and freedom, and a partnership that is continually expanding. I believe, as a sovereign state, Israel has the authority to declare Jerusalem as its capital city and should not be divided and should be recognized by the global community as the capital of the state of Israel. I strongly support the new US embassy in Jerusalem as a beacon of freedom.
As a Congressman from Pennsylvania, I will strongly support America’s investments in Israel’s economy, where they are contributing to the world in the fields of medicine, business, environmental engineering, computer hardware, and Nanotechnology. As a conservative Republican, I will work to continue the strong United States-Israel strategic partnership which ensures the continuation of the Jewish state and promotes peace in the Middle East and around the globe.
I support the various congressional actions that provide significant security assistance to Israel, which includes cooperative missile defense technology. I am aware of and advocate for enhanced Israeli Qualitative Military Edge and will work to minimize negative impacts by advanced U.S. arms sales and military cooperation with other nations in the region. I support the continued enhanced funding for the joint U.S.-Israeli Missile and Rocket Program, including Arrow and the David Sling and Iron Dome Programs.
One cannot speak about modern Israel and not be aware of the extreme threat that Iran poses as the world’s leading State sponsor of terrorism and its unfailing commitment, along with other terrorist groups that will be satisfied with nothing less than total destruction of the State of Israel and the eradication of the Jewish people. Iran continues to be a major threat to Israel, the U.S, and to the world. The Iranian regime remains unconditionally dedicated to the pursuit of nuclear weapons as well as its coordinated efforts as the world’s largest sponsor of terrorism. Iran-sponsored terrorist groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas continue to threaten Israel as well as the U.S., while working to destabilize nations throughout the Middle East. The U.S. must work – using economic, diplomatic, and political pressure – to ensure that Iran never obtains nuclear weapons. We must never again have another “deal” like the one that President Obama committed us to. The U.S. must also work to counter Iran from establishing permanent control throughout the Middle East and work with our allies to contain and roll back Iranian aggression in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen.
I believe that Congress must continue to fulfill its historic role in foreign policy by ensuring and utilizing as much economic and diplomatic political pressures to deter Iran’s nuclear activities, ensure strict enforcement of sanctions, and consider measures to address Iran’s illicit actions and gaps in U.S. sanctions, from backing efforts to prevent Iran from establishing a current military presence in Syria, to strengthening its relationships with China and Russia, and standing by the Israeli people while targeting the regime’s systematic abuses. I also supported President Trump’s missile strike on Qasem Soleimani.
Of significant concern to me is the anti-Semitic Boycott Divestment and Sanctions Campaign (BDS) that seeks to delegitimize and stigmatize the State of Israel. This is a matter that must be aggressively addressed with all the resources of the U.S. The BDS campaign is an attack on Israel as a Jewish State and is rooted in anti-Semitic tropes. The United States of America must remain committed to countering BDS.
As an ally of Israel, I would like to see a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians. A two-state solution that provides an economic and secure state of Israel alongside a demilitarized Palestinian state is the best path forward to resolving the Israel-Palestinian conflict. But it will never happen as long as the Palestinian government continues to engage with terrorists like Hamas. The U.S. must continue to stand with its ally Israel and encourage direct, bilateral negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians such that there is a full recognition of the State of Israel with Jerusalem as its capital.
Unfortunately, America and Israel share threats from terrorism, nuclear proliferation, and anti-Semitism. Through U.S. security assistance, I want to see Israel maintain its military edge in the region to ensure its security and survival. As Israel continues to face threats in the region, the U.S. must continue to support Israel financially.
It is my commitment that I will pursue policies in the United States Congress to support Israel such that Israel may defend itself both economically and militarily. I hope that one day Israel will become a nation at peace with its neighbors and a model democracy for the rest of the Middle East.