As a Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, David has been a consistent supporter of a robust relationship with Israel. Israel is a strong and brave democracy and has been since its founding nearly 75 years ago. . The State of Israel was founded on the values of pluralism, justice, and respect for human rights, and as a practicing Jew, David is proud that Israel continues to embody those same values today. It is because of these shared values and commitment to protecting marginalized communities  and workers, and a strong belief in freedom of speech and an impartial judiciary, that the relationship between the United States and Israel is so strong and mutually reinforcing.

Israel remains America’s strongest ally in a volatile region. It is imperative that the United States continues to strongly and vocally support the right of Israel to defend herself and protect the safety and security of the State of Israel and her people.

David's trips to Israel have only strengthened his belief that a strong Israel is not only vital to her people, but also vital to U.S. interests. The United States must be prepared to provide additional assistance to Israel for her increasing defense needs.

The United States-Israel Alliance in the Middle East Peace Process and Israel’s Right to Exist

The United States’ partnership with Israel and commitment to pursuing a two state solution with Israel and the Palestinians living side-by-side in peace and prosperity is central to David’s  foreign policy goals in the Middle East.

Israel is surrounded by many self-proclaimed enemies, including those who have publicly declared their intention to destroy the State of Israel and the Jewish people. David is firmly committed to ensuring that Israel maintains her qualitative military edge. In addition, David fully supports our country’s foreign aid initiatives which include our multi-year commitment to Israel’s defense.

The Importance of the Role of the United States in Achieving Peace in the Region

The United States plays an important role in ensuring that peace in the region is realized. Our responsibility is to protect American interests and ensure that Israel is strong and protected from those who threaten her existence.

David supports American efforts to bring about a two-state solution, under which Israel and a  Palestinian state will live side by side in peace and prosperity. The United States can and must play a vigorous role in attempting to facilitate that solution by helping both parties bridge the gaps for a mutually agreeable peace determined by the parties themselves.

Economic and Scientific Cooperation and Development

The United States and Israel have a unique opportunity to collaborate on economic development initiatives and scientific and medical advancement.  David supports joint initiatives in research, innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship.

In Congress, David has focused on efforts to promote regional innovation devoted to biotechnology, life sciences, medical devices, advanced manufacturing, and other technology. With the second greatest number of companies on the NASDAQ, Israel must always be a very strong partner in this economic development strategy.

The Threat from Iran

David has often spoken about the threat that Iran poses to Israel. This threat is real and cannot be ignored. Being cognizant of this threat also requires a clear-eyed reassessment of what is working, what is not achieving what we aim, and when we need to change our approach.

That is why, after extensive review and consultation with experts in many fields, David supported the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), calling it “one of the most difficult and consequential decisions that I will ever make as a Member of Congress.”

David believes that by taking the nuclear threat off the table, through the strongest verification regime ever put in place, the international community, led by the United States, would be able to more aggressively combat Iran’s bad behavior throughout the Middle East.

Unfortunately, President Trump decided to walk away from the Iran nuclear deal, with no strategy for preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon in the future. For two years, the Iran deal imposed the most intrusive nuclear inspections regime in the history of the world. It was not perfect, but the former President’s decision will make it harder than ever to improve it.

The Trump Administration’s withdrawal from the JCPOA  undermined the United States’ reputation and our national security. Other countries will think twice before they sign agreements with the United States.

Today, the continued trajectory of Iran’s pre-agreement actions poses a much greater threat to Israel, the region, the U.S, and the world.

David will continue to support legislation that punishes Iran for its bad behavior on a number of fronts, including support for terrorism, human rights abuses, the building of inter-continental ballistic missiles, and any attempts to seek nuclear weapons.