Recapping President Biden's Visit + Important Legislation Passes the House
AIPAC Update
Dear A.,
This was a banner week for the U.S.-Israel relationship, marked by President Biden’s historic visit that showcased the strength and depth of America’s partnership with the Jewish state.
“Every chance to return to this great country, where the ancient roots of the Jewish people date back to biblical times, is a blessing,” Biden said. “Because the connection between the Israeli people and the American people is bone deep.”
After landing at Ben-Gurion airport on Wednesday, President Biden toured Israeli missile defense systems and paid an emotional visit to Yad Vashem.
On Thursday he and Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid signed a historic Jerusalem Declaration, which pledges America’s commitment to Israel’s security and to using “all elements of its national power” to ensure Iran never acquires nuclear weapons.
The President also joined the first ‘I2U2’ meeting, where the U.S., Israel, UAE and India agreed to work together on food security and clean energy, tech, and trade, among other issues.
President Biden departed Israel for Saudi Arabia today, as news broke that Saudi airspace would be opened to Israel for the first time – an important step forward in the normalization of relations between Israel and the neighboring Arab countries.
Dr. Cameron Brown, AIPAC-AIEF (R.A.) Director, joins AIPAC’s Director of Policy and Government Affairs David Gillette to discuss President Biden’s visit to Israel and Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Meir Javedanfar, an Iranian-Israeli lecturer, author and commentator, joins AIPAC to analyze the Iran nuclear talks and discuss the mounting tensions between the Iranian people and the regime in Tehran.
Meir Javedanfar, Ph.D. has taught Iranian politics at Reichman University in Israel since 2012. He is the coauthor of Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s biography, “The Nuclear Sphinx of Tehran.” He has published many articles on Iran and Iran-related matters for publications such as Foreign Affairs, Al-Monitor, The Diplomat, and The Guardian.
This week, the House of Representatives passed the fiscal year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act.
Importantly, the legislation maintains Congress’ longstanding support for the U.S.-Israel relationship.
The bill authorizes:
$500 million for joint U.S.-Israel missile defense programs, including Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow.
$40 million for the U.S.-Israel counter unmanned aerial systems (UAS)program.
The DEFEND Act, which authorizes the Secretary of Defense to cooperate with allies and partners in the Middle East to develop and implement an integrated air and missile defense architecture
A new U.S.-Israel program to combat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
$5 million for testing of an Israeli loitering munition by the U.S. Special Forces.
Strong reporting language addressing Iranian aggression and the IRGC.
We urge the Senate to now pass these important pro-Israel provisions.
Watch
Herzog, Lapid, Biden deliver remarks at arrival ceremony at Ben-Gurion Airport
VIDEO • JUly 13, 2022
Watch remarks delivered by Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Yair Lapid, and U.S. President Joe Biden at the arrival ceremony kicking off President Biden's visit to Israel.
Biden on anti-Israel voices in Congress: "There are few of them. I think they're wrong."
VIDEO • JUly 13, 2022
President Biden responds to questions about those in Congress seeking to cut or condition security assistance to Israel and calling Israel an apartheid state.
Breaking down the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)
PODCAST • AIPAC
The National Defense Authorization Act is Congress' annual defense bill, which includes many pro-Israel provisions that AIPAC lobbies for to help keep Israel safe. AIPAC's Sam Peyton joins us to explain what's in the bill and why it's so important for the U.S.-Israel relationship.
Leah Odinec on the UNHRC Report and COI Elimination Act
PODCAST • AIPAC
Leah Odinec rejoins the AIPAC Podcast, to talk in more detail about the recent United Nations Human Rights Council report, as well as the Commission of Inquiry elimination act.
President Isaac Herzog’s remarks at the welcoming ceremony for US President Joe Biden Read more here
Prime Minister Yair Lapid’s remarks welcoming President Joe Biden at Ben Gurion Airport Read more here
Dropping to one knee, a tearful Biden moved by Holocaust survivors at Yad Vashem Read more here
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.
