Ros-Lehtinen, Deutch Meet With Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Express Condolences for the Loss of Eyal, Naftali and Gilad, And Offer Unequivocal Support for Israel

Statement

U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, and Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL), Ranking Member of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, issued the following statement following their meeting with Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. Joint statement by Reps. Ros-Lehtinen and Deutch:

"These last few days have been a trying and difficult time for the people of Israel after the bodies of three of their sons were found. As an entire nation mourned, we mourned with it. We conveyed our deepest sympathies to Prime Minister Netanyahu and reaffirmed to our closest ally, the democratic Jewish State of Israel, that the United States stands firmly with it as it struggles to cope with the tragic loss of Eyal, Naftali and Gilad and as it seeks to bring the perpetrators to justice.

"We also discussed with PM Netanyahu the threats that Israel faces as the stability of the region continues to deteriorate. The growing threat of extremism in Syria and Iraq, and the threat posed by Iran's nuclear weapons program, could have severe repercussions throughout the region, and these toxic obstacles put both Israel and U.S. national security interests at risk. We vowed to continue our unwavering support for the people of Israel and their safety and security, and will do whatever we can to ensure Israel maintains her qualitative military edge so that she can defend herself from all threats."

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