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Iran is the principal obstacle to peace and stability in the Middle East.
- Go deeper: Rather than invest in its people, the Iranian regime spends billions each year arming and funding terror groups, destabilizing the region and threatening our troops, allies and interests.
Just this month:
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Iran-backed terrorists attempted to
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storm Baghdad’s Green Zone after losing in Iraq’s national elections.
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Israeli intelligence
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prevented Iranian-ordered attacks on Israeli tourists and businesspeople in Tanzania, Senegal and Ghana.
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Israel’s Iron Dome
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intercepted a drone launched out of Gaza by Hamas as the Iranian-backed terrorist group continues to advance its drone program.
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At least one Iranian-backed terrorist group attempted to
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assassinate the Iraqi prime minister, launching three drones carrying explosives at his residence in Baghdad.
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Iranian-backed terrorists took, and are continuing to
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hold hostage , U.S. embassy staff in Yemen.
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The FBI sent an advisory memo to U.S. companies warning of the
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threat from Iranian hackers.
The way forward: America needs a
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comprehensive policy —closely coordinated with our regional allies—to permanently prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and address the regime’s ballistic missile program, terrorism and regional aggression.
- On the nuclear issue specifically, America must articulate and implement
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five principles to persuade Iran to end its march toward nuclear weapons.
Below are more key news items from the week.
Brian Shankman
Chief Strategy Director for National Affairs
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HOW YOU CAN HELP
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It is through the generosity of our members that AIPAC works to help make Israel more secure by ensuring a strong U.S.-Israel relationship.
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SUPPORT AIPAC TODAY
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Veterans in Congress: A Conversation with Reps. Elaine Luria (D-VA) and Michael Waltz (R-FL)
This week, on Veterans Day, we honored the courage and sacrifice of all those who have served our country in defense of freedom. Reps. Luria and Waltz, both Veterans, join AIPAC to discuss their work on Capitol Hill to strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship, advance legislation to enhance joint PTSD research, and deepen the partnership between the two allies.
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Bennett and Lapid Stand United Against U.S. Consulate for Palestinians in Jerusalem
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Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid presented a united front Saturday in their opposition to the United States reopening its consulate for the Palestinians in Jerusalem.
What they said:
- Prime Minister Bennett: "there is no place for an American consulate that serves the Palestinians in Jerusalem." This had been conveyed to Washington "both by myself and by Foreign Minister Yair Lapid."
- Foreign Minister Lapid: "If the Americans want to open a consulate in Ramallah we have no problem with that." But "sovereignty in Jerusalem belongs to one country—Israel."Context: The U.S. recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in 2018 and moved its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. It closed the consulate and opened a department for handling Palestinian consular affairs at the U.S. Embassy, in keeping with diplomatic norms.
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Leaders of Israel’s coalition have expressed strong opposition to reopening the consulate, both for substantive and political reasons.
The bottom line: Jerusalem must remain Israel’s undivided capital.
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The U.S. must not open a consulate in Jerusalem without Israel’s agreement.
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Unilaterally opening a diplomatic facility would directly challenge Israeli sovereignty and create the impression that the U.S. seeks to divide Jerusalem.
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U.S. Tests Iron Dome in Guam
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The United States military is testing Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system in Guam as it eyes increasing threats from China.
Context: The tests are part of the U.S. military’s buildup in the Asia-Pacific region aimed at countering Beijing.
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Guam houses the closest American military bases in U.S. territory to China, including 190,000 U.S. civilians and military personnel.
The big picture: As China tests new weapons that threaten U.S. civilians and servicemembers, America's partnership with Israel and cooperation on lifesaving defense systems like Iron Dome helps keep us safer.
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Bipartisan Congressional Delegations Travel to Israel
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This week, bipartisan congressional delegations—led by House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Senator Ben Cardin and Senator Chris Coons—traveled to Israel.
The members of Congress met with Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, Defense Minister Benny Gantz and President Isaac Herzog.
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Prime Minister Bennett: "It was a pleasure meeting with a bipartisan delegation of U.S. members of Congress... Thank you for your support for Israel and your commitment to strengthening the U.S.-Israel alliance."
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Foreign Minister Lapid: "I was delighted to host a large bipartisan delegation... Israel is deeply grateful for the strong support of our friends in both parties."
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Defense Minister Gantz: "I was honored to meet with a bipartisan delegation of U.S. Congress members... We discussed the region’s most pressing challenges, starting with Iran and its destabilizing influence. We also reiterated the unwavering bond between the U.S. and Israel."
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President Herzog: "The U.S.-Israel relationship is an essential strategic alliance. My wife Michal and I were delighted to welcome to the President's Residence in Jerusalem our friends."Democrats and Republicans across the country know: A strong U.S.-Israel partnership benefits all Americans and makes both countries stronger.
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America and Israel Advance Bilateral Cooperation
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America's partnership with Israel helps keep both countries safer and better prepared for future challenges.
In Israel this week:
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The U.S. Marines and IDF continued to
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train together in the U.S. and Israel's first bilateral training since Israel joined CENTCOM.
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American, Israeli, Emirati and Bahraini naval forces began
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conducting a multilateral maritime security operations exercise in the Red Sea.
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For the second time in a month, IDF F-15 fighter jets
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escorted two American B-1B bombers and an American KC-10 refueler through Israeli skies on their way from the Gulf.
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The mission of AIPAC is to encourage and persuade the U.S. government to enact specific policies that create a strong, enduring and mutually beneficial relationship with our ally Israel.
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