JEFFRIES, CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION CONCLUDE VISIT TO ISRAEL

Press Release

Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement after the conclusion of his visit to Israel during his first congressional delegation trip as Leader:

"Today, our delegation departed Israel after a meaningful and moving visit where we reaffirmed our strong commitment to a safe, secure and prosperous Israel on the eve of the 75th anniversary of its founding.

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Leader Jeffries Speaking with Israeli President Isaac Herzog
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Members of the Congressional Delegation Posing for Photo with PM Benjamin Netanyahu. From left: Rep. Yvette Clarke, Rep. Joe Neguse, Rep. Josh Gottheimer, Rep. Steven Horsford, Rep. Nanette Barragán, Chairman Gregory Meeks, Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, Rep. Dean Phillips, Rep. Stacey Plaskett, Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, Rep. Sara Jacobs, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, US Ambassador to Israel Thomas Nides
During our visit, we conducted a day of substantive meetings with President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana and Opposition Leader Yair Lapid. The delegation discussed our commitment to stop Iran from becoming nuclear capable, the prospects for a lasting peace with the Palestinians, a two-state solution, continued security cooperation and opportunities to build on the Abraham Accords. We also raised concerns about the proposed judicial reforms that hundreds of thousands of Israelis have protested in the streets, urging all parties to find a resolution that protects the rule of law and independence of the judiciary.

Our delegation had a productive roundtable discussion with several young Palestinian entrepreneurs, innovators and nonprofit leaders focused on how we can improve the quality of life and economic development opportunities for the Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza.

We also had a moving visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Center and participated in a powerful Israel Memorial Day ceremony at Latrun, where seven thousand people from the Jewish diaspora throughout the world were in attendance. At both events, I had the honor of paying respects to the deceased by laying wreaths on behalf of the Congressional Delegation.

The United States and Israel have a special relationship anchored in our shared values and shared strategic interests. Through this congressional delegation visit, we once again reaffirmed our strong commitment to Israel as a thriving Jewish and Democratic state."

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