Issue Position: Israel and the Middle East

Issue Position

Senator Toomey believes that Israel is the United States' greatest ally and friend in the Middle East and is among its best allies in the entire world. Israel is a beacon of democracy and freedom in an area of the world largely suffering under dictatorships and political persecution. A strong relationship with Israel strengthens both countries in the continuing fight against global terrorism.

Unfortunately, Israel faces a number of threats to its existence from Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah. An Iran armed with nuclear weapons poses an unacceptable risk to Israel, the United States and the rest of the world. Senator Toomey believes that merely talking with Iran is not sufficient. He supports imposing and enforcing the strongest possible sanctions on Iran as well as on companies that violate the United States' sanctions by engaging in business with Iran.

You can listen to my speech on the Iran nuclear deal here.

Senator Toomey also believes that there is no place for Hamas or Hezbollah in the future of a peaceful Middle East. Israel's efforts to defend itself from terrorist-led attacks should be supported, and we should demand that Palestinian leaders eradicate terrorist groups like Hamas. Senator Toomey strongly supports American military aid to, and military cooperation with, Israel. He also believes the United States should recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, and he has cosponsored a bill that would move the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Finally, Senator Toomey believes that Israel has a right to secure borders. Moreover, Palestinian renunciation of violence and recognition of Israel's right to exist must be a non-negotiable precondition for any peace agreement.

Senator Toomey visited Israel where he and Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. The senators and prime minister discussed a variety of issues: the importance of the Israeli-American relationship; the threat of a nuclear armed Iran; cooperation on military, intelligence and other vital matters; and the Middle East peace process.

Senator Toomey has co-sponsored bipartisan legislation in support of U.S. interests in the Middle East and the security of Israel, including multiple bills strengthening sanctions against Iran. Deeply concerned about the situation in Syria, he also cosponsored a bill to sanction the brutal regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

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