WASHINGTON — Following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit this week to the United States Capitol, Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced the re-establishment of the bipartisan House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group.
“This is an important time to bring together a bipartisan delegation of American and Israeli lawmakers to discuss mutual concerns and how to continue strengthening the alliance between our two nations,” Speaker Johnson said. “The House-Knesset Friendship group will be instrumental in building a broad understanding among elected representatives as we pursue together peace in Israel and lasting solutions for the Middle East.”
“The special relationship between the United States and Israel is anchored in our shared democratic values and strategic interests,” Leader Jeffries said. “Congress is committed in a bipartisan way to the safety and security of Israel and its right to exist as a Jewish, Democratic state. The House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group provides a critical forum to strengthen our partnership and provides the opportunity for bilateral dialogue at the legislative level during these challenging times.”
“This is a historic milestone in U.S.-Israel relations, with legislative bodies leading the advancement of the partnership and exploring new opportunities,” said Speaker of the Israeli Knesset Amir Ohana. “Since the war began, the U.S. House of Representatives has risen to the occasion, supporting Israel through statements and legislation that have bolstered its security and diplomatic efforts against the ayatollah regime in Iran and its terror proxies in the Middle East. I wish to thank my friend, Speaker Mike Johnson, a true friend of Israel, who today officially launched the House-Knesset Friendship Group. Together, we will continue to strengthen the enduring alliance between Israel and the United States.”
The House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group brings together selected American and Israeli lawmakers to discuss ways to strengthen the partnership between the U.S. and Israeli legislative bodies.
The bipartisan members of the group are as follows:
- Rep. David Kustoff (Chair)
- Rep. Ann Wagner
- Rep. Nicole Malliotakis
- Rep. Mike Lawler
- Rep. Max Miller
- Rep. Craig Goldman
- Rep. Randy Fine
- Rep. Brad Sherman (Ranking Member)
- Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz
- Rep. Richie Torres
- Rep. Nikema Williams
- Rep. Jared Moskowitz
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