Daines Travels to Israel to Tout Montana Technology, Meet Key Israeli and Palestinian

Press Release

Congressman Steve Daines will carry his Montana jobs tour to Israel, where he will travel this week to meet with senior Israeli and Palestinian leaders and discuss the important role that Montana companies play in American-Israeli economic relations.

During his week in Israel, Daines will join Congressional leaders in learning more about the U.S.-Israel relationship, the peace process, Israel's security situation, and important political and economic trends in the region.

"Our national security interests are directly tied with Israel's, and as a member of the Homeland Security Committee, it is critical that I work to maintain relationships abroad that will in turn help keep Americans safe here at home," Daines stated. "But cooperation between Israel and United States also allows for unique economic partnerships--including opportunities for Montana businesses. Montana and Israel are strong economic partners, and as I serve our state in Congress, it's important that I work to maintain this strong, mutually-beneficial relationship. As I meet with Israel's economic leaders, I will work to ensure that Montana and Israel maintain these positive economic partnerships for years to come."

While meeting with senior Israeli and Palestinian leaders, including Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel President Shimon Peres, and President of Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas, Daines will also explore opportunities for bilateral economic and technological cooperation with the Israeli business community.

Daines noted that several Montana companies have developed strong relationships developing products for Israeli defense systems. Kalispell-based Sonju Industrial Inc. has joined Raytheon Company to work on the David's Sling Weapon System (DSWS), a joint Missile Defense Agency and Israel Missile Defense Organization program to develop and deploy a mid-tier missile defense system for Israel.

The trip is sponsored by the American Israel Educational Foundation (AIEF), a charity affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). AIEF Israel seminars are considered among the most substantive, rigorous and valuable opportunities for members of Congress to learn about the U.S.-Israel relationship. The trip is paid for by AIEF, which is privately funded by American citizens.

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