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Last week, Dave and I traveled to Israel with some of my Congressional
colleagues for a rigorous trip that included high-level briefings with American,
Israeli and Palestinian officials, as well as, tours of landmarks throughout the
country. The trip was an opportunity for me to study first-hand U.S. policy in
the region and how American national security interests are directly tied to the
Middle East—and more specifically, to Israel’s security.
On the trip, we were able to meet with Israeli and Palestinian officials,
including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyhu. In addition, we also met with
opposition members, Military leaders and peace negotiators. By meeting with so
many different groups, all with varying viewpoints and opinions, Members were
able to see a complete picture of events in Israel.
Back in May, I was honored to join my colleagues as Israeli Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint session of Congress. That day, Netanayhu
said, “Israel has no better friend than America, and America has no better
friend than Israel. We stand together to defend democracy. We stand together to
advance peace. We stand together to fight terrorism.”
Throughout the experience in Israel, I felt first hand just how strong the
bond is between Israel and the United States. The partnership is of course a
natural one—not only because of the connection our countries share through
religion and culture, but because of our nations’ commitment to democracy and
freedom.
The Prime Minister’s speech to Congress came on the heels of President
Obama’s declared support for implementation of the 1967 borders. Mr. Netanyahu’s
words brought much-needed clarity on the way forward as Israel seeks a two-state
solution with the Palestinians. While a lasting peace in the region is the
ultimate goal, Israel must be able to defend itself. Put simply, returning to
the 1967 borders would only leave the Israeli people exposed to greater attack
and weaken our strongest ally in the Middle East.
Nowhere was that more clear than when I visited key strategic sites in the
West Bank and Israel’s northern border with Lebanon and Syria. To stand in
areas where double-fencing and mere miles separate you from an unstable or
openly hostile nation, it becomes clear just how vulnerable Israel is. Only the
week before arriving in Israel, the country saw a string of attacks, first by a
gunman who killed eight people in southern Israel and a barrage of rockets fired
into Israel from Gaza the very next day.
On the second day of the trip, we met with a mother who lives near the Gaza
strip and heard her story of what it is like for her and her family to live with
the constant threat of bombing. She told us of her six-year old son’s now
constant anxiety, worrying that when his mother goes to work that she may not
come home at the end of the day. It’s even worse at night she said, where they
often have to take cover in a bomb shelter several times—imagine what it is like
not knowing when you are going to get a full night’s sleep again. For Israeli’s
living on the border, they truly do not feel safe at any time.
It is
absolutely crucial that America stand with Israel as they face attacks on their
citizens and civilian populations and continue our long history of defense and
homeland security information sharing. One of the technologies we were briefed
on during the trip, called ‘The Iron Dome,’ was responsible for intercepting at
least one of the rockets fired at Israel the week before. Through intelligence
sharing, defense, and military cooperation, we have great opportunities to learn
from Israel about the technological and homeland security tools they use on the
front lines.
As an ardent supporter of Israel, it was a great honor to visit the country
for the first time and meet with so many to discuss both the challenges and
hopes for Israel’s future. In an area of the world where basic human rights can
be almost impossible to find, Israel is a beacon of freedom, hope and
democracy. The United States must continue to support our strongest ally in the
Middle East, as they work toward peace in the region.
Sincerely,
Diane Black
Member of Congress |
