Over the past few weeks, we have seen numerous high-level U.S.-Israel military exercises and meetings, demonstrating the importance that both countries place on a strong relationship.
This week, U.S. Marines and IDF troops launched "Intrepid Maven," a week-long joint military exercise. The head of the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command said this helps advance U.S. national security and reflects America's "enduring commitment to Israel."
Just last month, American and Israeli forces came together for "Juniper Oak," the single largest U.S.-Israel military drill ever, including 6,400 U.S. and 1,100 Israeli personnel.
Meanwhile, numerous Democratic and Republican members of Congress, including both Senate leaders, are in Israel this week meeting with Israeli leaders. (See pictures below.)
This support is not automatic, and it doesn’t happen overnight. It is the result of decades of education and activism on the part of AIPAC and pro-Israel Americans across the country.
Today, these clear demonstrations of partnership are especially important as Iran continues to fund terror and threaten Americans and Israelis. Together, we will continue to ensure America always stands with Israel, for the benefit of both nations.
See below for more stories we are following from this week.
Alarming Development: Iran Enrichment Hits Dangerous New High
The latest: Over the weekend, U.N. inspectors announced that Iran is extremely close to enriching uranium to weapons-grade levels, in flagrant violation of its international commitments.
The investigation revealed Iran has enriched uranium to 84% percent, just shy of the 90% mark considered necessary to build a nuclear bomb.
Meanwhile: Iran offered a reward to the terrorist who stabbed British-American author Salman Rushdie in New York last year.
The terrorist was inspired by the Iranian state-sanctioned “fatwa” calling for Rushdie's assassination.
With the Palestinian Authority unwilling to take action against terrorism, Israel is forced to intervene to maintain stability and prevent further chaos.
The bottom line: Palestinian leadership must end their policies that encourage terrorism and restore control over the West Bank. America must continue to ensure our ally Israel has the support necessary to defend itself against this growing terrorist threat.
In 'Historic' Decision, Oman Will Allow Israeli Flights into Airspace
Thanks to a strong U.S.-Israel relationship, Israel continues to widen the circle of peace and cooperation with its Arab neighbors.
The latest: The government of Oman announced this week that it would begin allowing Israeli flights into its airspace, which Israeli Foreign Minister Cohen called a "great step toward regional integration."
Cohen also thanked both Oman and the United States for this "historic" breakthrough, which would be critical to "saving fuel & many hours" for Israeli flights to and from Asia.
Background: Access to Oman’s airspace enables Israeli carriers to significantly reduce flight time between Israel and Asia, including on the new route connecting Israel and Tokyo that launches next week.
The bottom line: Engaging with Israel creates remarkable opportunities for cooperation, progress and prosperity.
$6 Million for U.S.-Israel Water and Energy Cooperation
In December, Congress passed $6 million for U.S.-Israel water and energy cooperation as part of the omnibus funding bill for fiscal year 2023.
What it does: This critical funding will enhance collaboration to develop new renewable energy technologies and improve sustainability.
Why it matters: Expanding U.S.-Israel cooperation on water and energy projects enables both countries to reach global climate objectives and protect critical energy infrastructure.
These achievements would not have been possible without strong support from pro-Israel Democrats and Republicans in Congress.
Photos of the Week:
Republican (left) and Democratic (right) Senate delegations meet with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Israel.
Senators include Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, and Senators Peter Welch, Markwayne Mullin, Amy Klobuchar, Joni Ernst, Gary Peters, Ted Budd, Maria Cantwell, Catherine Cortez Masto, Thom Tillis, Jack Reed, Ron Wyden and Katie Britt.
Senators Alex Padilla and Tom Cotton, respectively, meet with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in Israel.
Senator Jim Risch meets with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in Israel.
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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