Issue Position: Advocating for a Strong Israel

Issue Position

Working to Prevent a Nuclear Iran

Pallone voted for The Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act. Now law, the law places tough new sanctions on Iran to prevent their acquiring a nuclear weapon. Pallone identified potential violations of the sanctions regime and sent letters to the Secretary of Treasury and the Chairman of the Federal Reserve calling on them to take action to ensure compliance with the sanctions or levy penalties on any violators. Pallone also wrote to CEO's of foreign national corporations detailing their potential violations and urging them to stop business with Iran. Pallone has cosponsored the Nuclear Iran Prevention Act of 2013 to strengthen sanctions and expand international cooperation to stop trade and financial dealings with Iran.

Opposing Terrorism and Defending Israel's Right to Prevent Terrorist Attacks

When a Turkish flotilla violated the Israeli blockade on Gaza, Pallone wrote to President Obama stressing Israel's right to defend its people and called on him to support Israel's actions. He also wrote to the Secretary of State requesting that an investigation be launched into the flotilla group's ties to terrorist organizations such as Hamas. Pallone supports restrictions on U.S. foreign assistance that would go to a Palestinian government that includes Hamas, a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization.

Advocating for Foreign Assistance to Israel

Pallone has personally testified before the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations to urge the committee to allocate robust economic and military assistance to Israel. Pallone supports continued foreign aid and is currently advocating for $3.1 billion to be directed to Israel next year.

Ensuring an Israeli Military Edge and the Protection of the Israeli People

Pallone has strongly supported the Iron Dome anti-missile system and U.S. funding for the system and is actively advocating for $200 million more for the system. Pallone also advocates for U.S. help in maintaining Israel's qualitative military edge. Pallone voted to amend the Arms Export Control Act to require the Administration to certify that an arms sale to another Middle Eastern country does not threaten Israel's qualitative military edge. He is a cosponsor of the United States-Israel Strategic Partnership Act of 2013, which declares Israel to be a major strategic partner of the United States and urges the President to support the procurement, and enhancement of the Iron Dome, Arrow 2, Arrow 3, and David's Sling defense systems.

Supporting a Peaceful End to Conflict with Palestine

In 2003, Pallone visited Israel and toured many of the nation's important historic and cultural sites. During his visit, he reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict with Palestine. Pallone has also opposed unilateral attempts by Palestine to seek statehood at the United Nations.

Protecting Israeli International Cooperation in Energy

In 2011, Pallone wrote to the Secretary of State and called on her to repudiate threats directed at Israel by Turkey and to protect Israel's right to peacefully engage in energy exploration in the east Mediterranean. Pallone has also supported funding for implementation of the U.S.-Israel Energy Cooperative Agreement, and has joined a letter requesting the Appropriations Committee include $2 million for the program next year.

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