U.S. Sens. Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Steve Daines (R-MT) returned on Tuesday from a weeklong fact-finding mission to Israel that explored security, the refugee crisis, and the U.S.-Israel relationship.
Tillis and Daines met with top Israeli officials during the visit, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and military leaders, and discussed opportunities to enhance bilateral economic cooperation with Israeli businessmen.
“What became increasingly clear during our trip is that in a region consumed by terrorism and oppression, Israel stands out as a shining beacon of hope and freedom,” Tillis said. “America has a special relationship with Israel, bonded by a shared set of core values and strategic interests. We must strengthen our friendship with Israel by working together to destroy terrorism and doing everything we can to prevent the Iranian regime from developing nuclear weapons.”
Daines, meanwhile, said that it is imperative for the United States to stand with Israel, its partner in peace, amid growing threats from radical Islamic extremism.
“After hearing from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other leaders in Israel it is clear now more than ever that we must work together to keep our nations and the world safe,” Daines said.
U.S. Rep. David Rouzer (R-NC) and U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) also participated in the trip.