Stutzman Reaffirms Commitment to Israel

Press Release

Congressman Marlin Stutzman (IN-03) commented on American relations with Israel following the address to a Joint Session of Congress by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Stutzman signed the original request letter to Speaker Boehner and Leader Reid asking for Netanyahu to address the Joint Session of Congress. To support this sentiment, Stutzman co-sponsored a resolution authored by Congressman Dold that reaffirms the United States principles regarding the security of Israel and peace in the Middle East.

"It is time for Congress to reaffirm our previous commitments to Israel and never back down. I also want to underscore my strong agreement with the Prime Minister's very reasonable stipulations for negotiation. It is never too much to ask that those sitting across from you at the negotiating table asking you to make considerable sacrifices, admit your right to exist. Further, any party supporting terrorism should receive no say in the final outcome in negotiations. After all, if a lasting peace is to be found, I believe it must begin with a strong foundation of mutual recognition, respect, and the assurance that any promises made will be vigorously upheld by both parties in the future," Stutzman outlined.

"Now is not the time to turn aside from the long standing relations that our country has with the State of Israel. Peace must be found in the Middle East but this will not be possible if Israel is continuously asked to forfeit her sovereignty. We are past the time in history where anyone can think of debating the independence and right to self rule by the people of Israel. The alliance between our Nations is founded on the shared principles of freedom and democracy, the same principles that fight against terror and tyranny throughout the world. The US has found a partner in the global war on terror that directly understands the impact of standing against those that will harm us."

Congressman Stutzman represents the 3rd Congressional District of Indiana and serves on the House Committee on Agriculture, the House Committee on the Budget and the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. Indiana's 3rd District contains all of DeKalb, Kosciusko, Lagrange, Noble, Steuben, and Whitley counties; as well as parts of Allen and Elkhart counties.

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