Issue Position: Israel's Security & the Middle East

Issue Position

My years of military education and training (I am a graduate of Air War College)--and my political science degree from Stanford where I focused on arms control and security issues--have taught me that Israel is a profound and unique ally; the only democracy in a troubled region of the world; and a bulwark against terrorist states and terrorist networks. My long-held core beliefs are that America must never waver in her protection of Israel, and Israel has an inherent right to defend her citizens from terrorist attacks and threats to their existence." - State Sen. Ted Lieu

Ted Lieu has a proven record supporting Israel:

Ted Lieu's commitment to Israel goes far deeper than everything his military service, training, and studies have taught him. His commitment is personal and emotional, and it has to do with a transformative 2007 Jewish Federation trip to Israel that he and his wife Betty when he was a member of the California State Assembly. Read about Ted's trip to Israel.

Principal co-author of AB 221 to divest state pension funds from companies doing business With Iran's oil industries.

Co-authored AB 1650 to bar companies that do business with Iran oil industries from contracting with the State of California or any other public entity in the state.

Co-authored AB 2160, barring insurers from using investments in Iran to satisfy capital requirements.

Assisted Simon Weisenthal Center's efforts to raise $2 million in funding for the Museum of Tolerance Anne Frank Exhibit.

Received special recognition by Democrats for Israel Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Jewish Federation for leadership on AB 221.

Ted Lieu will continue his record of leadership and advocacy in supporting Israel and her Security in Congress.

Work to strengthen the strategic partnership agreements between the US and Israel, including extended military/security/intelligence cooperation and extending the $30 billion Memorandum of Understanding.

Push for increased funding for missile defense systems that protect Israeli civilians from rocket attacks.

Advocate for a two-state solution through direct, bilateral negotiations, and oppose any efforts to have the international community impose a deal that circumvents the peace process or seeks to force Israel to compromise its security against its will.

Support greater investment in Israel, speaking out against any attempts to impose boycotts on Israeli companies, including BDS.

Read more about Ted Lieu's positions on Israel.
Ted Lieu will continue his record of standing up to Iran and holding them accountable.

Although Israel faces many threats today--from Hamas to Hezbollah to chaos in Syria and Egypt--the single gravest threat to both Israel's and America's security is an Iran with a nuclear weapon. Congress must remain in the process of detailing what a final solution would be, and strong sanctions need to continue should talks fail. A nuclear capable Iran must never happen.

While Sen. Lieu supports diplomacy, it must never be based on "trust." We cannot trust the current Iranian regime, which is controlled by an oppressive, theocratic, authoritarian government that continues to fund terrorists. All diplomacy with Iran on the nuclear issue must be based on verifiable, achievable objectives.

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