House International Relations Committe Passes Legislation Supporting Enhanced Relationship Between Israel and NATO
HOUSE INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE PASSES LEGISLATION SUPPORTING ENHANCED RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ISRAEL AND NATO
Today, Congressman Crowley, Chief Deputy Whip commended the passage by the International Relations Committee today of H.Res. 700 sponsored by Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (F-FL) and Rep. Robert Wexler (D-FL) which supports an enhanced relationship between Israel and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Congressman Crowley, a co-sponsor of the resolution, is a strong supporter of upgrading Israel to that of a leading and full member of NATO's Individual Cooperation Program.
"As our strongest ally in the Middle East, and a frontline state fighting terrorism it makes sense that Israel gains an enhanced role in the trans-Atlantic security umbrella of NATO. Israel is already a strong ally of the states that make up NATO and a further enhanced role will insure that the relationship grows stronger to face any future security threats. I commend Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen and Congressman Wexler for introducing this important legislation and urge the full House of Representatives to bring it to a vote in the near future," said Congressman Joseph Crowley.
H.R .700 outlines ways in which Israel has cooperated with NATO over the last 10 years and encourages the United States to take the lead role in advocating an enhanced relationship. While Israel and NATO have already begun a partnership through NATO's decade-old Mediterranean Dialogue program, the resolution would help to further the emerging relationship between Israel and NATO. The Individual Cooperation Program is designed to promote stronger sharing of intelligence, policy and planning between NATO Members and trusted non-NATO states to address future military and security threats.
"Israel's demonstrated commitment to democracy and combating terrorism, in addition to its strong strategic and military capabilities, makes it an invaluable NATO partner. I anticipate a promising relationship between Israel and NATO and look forward to much progress and communication," stated Crowley.
Israel, has been a member of the NATO Mediterranean Dialogue for the past 10 years and has presented NATO with a plan to enhance its bilateral cooperation entitled the "Individual Cooperation Program" and continues to demonstrate its commitment to work with NATO to enhance its policies and programs regarding military capabilities, military doctrine and exercises, border security, arms control, terrorist prevention, humanitarian efforts, public diplomacy, and technological advancement. H.Res. 700 passed the House International Relations Committee on which Congressman Crowley serves and is awaiting consideration by the full House of Representatives.
http://crowley.house.gov/news/record.asp?id=839