In his meeting with two US congressmen, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged a bipartisan approach to stop Iran’s impending nuclear threat.
On Tuesday morning, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hosted a meeting at his Jerusalem office with two visiting American politicians, Rep. Robert Pittenger (R-NC) and Rep. Dennis A. Ross (R-FL). Pittenger has served as Chairman of the Congressional Task Force on Terrorism and Unconventional Warfare and has been outspoken in his support for the state of Israel. Ross for his part has vociferously defended Israel’s right to defend herself, particularly in response to Hamas’ rocket attacks on the Jewish state during Operation Protective Edge.
In his meeting with the congressmen, Netanyahu reaffirmed the importance of American support from both sides of the aisle, noting, “The American-Israeli alliance is a powerful one. It’s based on common values, common interests. It’s a bipartisan relationship. We appreciate the support of Democrats and Republicans alike.”
The Iranian Nuclear Threat is a Global Issue
Netanyahu focused his comments on the current P5+1 negotiations with Iran, using the opportunity to speak out against the current proposal as “very dangerous to Israel and dangerous to the region and the peace of the world.” Netanyahu expained:
“We have a great national interest in preventing Iran from acquiring the means to develop nuclear weapons. We believe this isn’t a partisan issue. It isn’t a Democratic issue; it’s not a Republican issue. It’s an Israeli issue. It’s an American issue. It’s a global issue.”
(MyImages – Micha/Shutterstock)
The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to defend his upcoming speech on the Iranian nuclear threat before the US Congress, the scheduling of which has stirred up resentment from leaders within the Democratic party. Despite an invitation from the current Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, John Boehner, opponents of the speech have questioned Netanyahu’s right to address Congress. To that end, Netanyahu noted:
“[I]t’s important for me to speak before the members of Congress, all members of Congress, and explain Israel’s position. Now there are those who think otherwise. I’m open to hearing their case and I would hope that they would extend Israel, the country whose very existence is threatened by Iran, that same courtesy.”
By: United with Israel Staff
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