In Israel, Boehner Delegation Underscores Cooperation & Common Threats

Press Release

House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) and a delegation of senior lawmakers have completed a visit to Israel, where they stressed the common bonds between the United States and Israel and the common threats the two countries face.

The delegation began the day with a tour of Hamas terror tunnels on the Gaza border with Gen. Sami Turgeman, commander of the IDF Southern Command. After a working lunch with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, lawmakers met with U.S. Ambassador Daniel Shapiro and Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon.

Similar to the delegation's visits to Iraq, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, discussions here focused on the threat of violent extremism and Iran's rising influence in the region.

Speaker Boehner issued the following statement on the delegation's visit to Israel:

"The United States and Israel share the same values and the same interests, none more pressing than defending ourselves against grave and growing threats. In our talks here, we delved into the increasing polarization in the region and the spread of radical Islam. At the Hamas tunnels in Gaza, we saw the security challenges the Israeli people face every day, and the importance of backing missile defense. In our discussions about the Palestinians' entry into the International Criminal Court, we saw how Israel' s right to defend itself faces yet another challenge. We came here to express Congress's unwavering commitment to our friendship with Israel. We leave with a renewed commitment to make the strong bonds between our countries even stronger."

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