Capito Returns From Trip To Israel, Palestine

Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., joined other congressional leaders for a series of high-level briefings and discussions with senior Israeli and Palestinian officials over the course of the past week. The fact-finding delegation to the Middle East focused on the U.S.-Israel relationship, the status of Middle East peace talks and economic and security trends in the region. Capito returned from her visit this past weekend.

"Our meetings and discussions over the past week helped shed light on one of the most complex, yet significant parts of the world," said Capito, who visited Israel for the first time.

"Israel is a focal point for the entire region and I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about their anti-terrorism techniques, the significance of U.S.-Israeli relationship and the implications for the future of peace negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis."

The congressional delegation, which included approximately 25 members of Congress, met with Israeli President Shimon Peres and Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. They also visited the Palestinian capital of Ramallah for a meeting and discussion with Salam Fayyad, the Prime Minister of the Palestinian National Authority.

Capito noted the importance of hearing a diverse set of views during her visit.

"Analyzing the multiple facets of the Israeli-Palestinian situation in the Middle East demands hearing from a range of perspectives," she said. "It's imperative that members understand both the Israeli and Palestinian viewpoints and priorities in the region."

The members of Congress held additional briefings with Israeli military officials and Tzipi Livni, the leader of Israel's opposition Kadima Party. Other sessions focused on topics like the status of Jerusalem, Iranian influence in the region, and the freeze on Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

Rep. Eric Cantor, the House Minority Whip, led last week's trip, with the American Israel Education Foundation (AIEF) coordinating the trip's logistics for members of Congress and their spouses. AIEF is also coordinating a trip for a group of congressional Democrats that will take place this week. Both trips are privately funded, at zero taxpayer expense, and are in full compliance with House ethics rules.

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