Ahead of President Barack Obama’s trip to Israel, I urged the president to uphold and strengthen America’s commitment to our most important ally in the Middle East by working to stop Iran’s nuclear program and maintaining military aid to Israel.
In a letter signed by myself and other members of Congress on March 19, I urged President Obama to highlight the following key policy positions during his trip:
- The United States must work to find a negotiated resolution to Iran's nuclear program, but we support President Obama's message to keep all options on the table.
- The United States must continue to protect Israel’s qualitative military edge and support Israel’s inherent right to self-defense.
- Peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors must ultimately be achieved through direct negotiations toward a two-state solution.
- The United States must maintain foreign aid to Israel, including support for the Iron Dome and other joint cooperative missile defense systems.
“Reaffirming these commitments to Israel, in light of the very real threats that we both face, demonstrates that there is no daylight between the United States and Israel,” the letter states. “We look forward to working with you when you return to strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship and encouraging peace and stability in the Middle East.”
Carolyn McCarthy is the representative of New York’s Fourth Congressional District. She was first elected in 1996.
