Issue Position: Israel

Issue Position

Israel is our strongest ally in a region that is both strategically significant and increasingly unstable.

Israel proudly shares our American values of freedom and equality and is the only liberal democracy in the Middle East.

Historically the Jewish and American peoples have been linked by a shared desire to exercise self-determination and religious freedom and to live in peace with their neighbors.

It is imperative that the US continue to strongly support Israel's right to exist, prosper, and defend itself from threats.

Israel has been compelled to spend more per capita on its own protection than any other country, and the United States must be steadfast in its commitments to provide military and economic assistance to Israel, both to ensure its survival and to protect our shared strategic interests in the region.

I fully support America's existing commitment of foreign aid to Israel at approximately $3.1B per year through FY18, and thereafter I would support a renewed long-term pledge at the appropriate levels.

I have long been a supporter of the local efforts of Jewish Americans to strengthen our communities and raise awareness of America's special relationship with the State of Israel.

My mission to Israel in March of 2014 with the NJ State Association of Jewish Federations reaffirmed and strengthened these core beliefs.

Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process

Israel's future depends on securing an enduring peace with its neighbors.

I support a two-state solution that affirms the peaceful existence of a Jewish state of Israel alongside a sovereign Palestinian state.

The United States should continue to facilitate direct negotiations with the goal of achieving this two-state solution.

My hope is for Jerusalem to remain the undivided capital of a Jewish state of Israel, open to all religions.

Iran and the Struggle Against Terrorism

The Iranian regime has demonstrated its disdain for Israel and the Jewish people through both veiled and overt threats toward the nation, support for terrorist organizations, Holocaust-denial, and the oppression of their own citizens.

Meanwhile, violent anti-Israel, anti-American groups like Hamas and Hezbollah continue to call for the annihilation of Israel and continue to receive support from various actors as they promote hostility and extremism.

Allowing Iran to develop or acquire nuclear weapons capability is unacceptable. This not only presents an existential threat to Israel, but also a grave threat to regional and global stability. Hamas and Hezbollah would be emboldened, and states throughout the region would feel compelled to engage in an arms race. Most disturbingly, these circumstances increase the chance that nuclear arms will fall into the hands of terrorists.

To prevent this, the US must pursue the duel tracks of a diplomatic process to neutralize this threat and economic sanctions that emphasize the world community's rejection of Iran's actions.

Finally, Iran must recognize that America will always reserve its right to use military force when our interests are in jeopardy and all other options are expended. I strongly support both America's and Israel's right to self-defense in the face of such profound threats.

Like America, Israel seeks peace and prosperity as the steady state of the world. Israel has demonstrated its commitment to that goal through peace treaties and territorial concessions with neighbors and a continued willingness to engage in diplomacy and dialogue with all credible partners. Absent that, our two nations remain steadfast in our resolve to triumph over unjustifiable ignorance and unprovoked aggression.

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