Congressman Jimmy Panetta | Congressman Jimmy Panetta Website
Congressman Jimmy Panetta | Congressman Jimmy Panetta Website
Washington, DC – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and a bipartisan congressional delegation led by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (CA-20) visited Israel to celebrate and mark 75 years of independence. The trip lasted from April 30 to May 2, 2023.
During the visit, Rep. Panetta and the congressional delegation met with Israeli leadership, including; Speaker of the Knesset Amir Ohana, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Discussions centered around; Israel’s history, its vibrant democracy, the strong and long relationship between Israel and the United States, threats to Israel’s national security, Middle East security and economics, regional relationships and the status of the Abraham Accords, Palestinian relations, the make-up of the current administration in Israel, recent proposals for judicial reforms in Israel, recent protests by the Israeli people to uphold their democracy, and the potential for a constitutional convention by the Israeli government.
The congressional delegation visited Yad Vashem World Holocaust Remembrance Center to honor those killed in the Holocaust, the Western Wall, an archeological site in the City of David, and Israel’s legislative body, the Knesset.
“It was an honor to celebrate and mark Israel’s 75th anniversary and participate in dialogue and cultural exchanges as we work to strengthen the close relationship between Israel and the United States,” said Rep. Panetta. “However, as the only democracy in the Middle East, Israel is at the forefront of civil rights, the rule of law, economic opportunity, and the challenges that come with building a free, democratic, and pluralistic society. Israel continues to face threats both foreign and domestic to its security and to the core democratic values that form the foundation of our two countries. I look forward to the work ahead to fortify this critical partnership as we work together to foster peace, security, and democracy.”
The bipartisan congressional delegation was led by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Other attendees included Reps. Anthony D’Esposito (NY-04), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Garret Graves (LA-06), Erin Houchin (IN-09), Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Thomas Kean, Jr. (NJ-07), Nick LaLota (NY-01), Michael Lawler (NY-17), Julia Letlow (LA-05), Rob Menendez (NJ-08), Max Miller (OH-07), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), and Bruce Westerman (AR-04).
Original source can be found here
Alerts Sign-up