U.S. Rep. Tom Graves (R-GA-14) is visiting Israel this week to learn more about the U.S.-Israel relationship and meet with key leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In events and meetings throughout the week, Rep. Graves, along with several other members of Congress, will discuss the situation in Gaza and the peace process, Israel’s expertise in fighting terrorism, and economic issues such as the operation of Israel’s major ports.
“I am proud to stand with Israel at this critical time,” said Rep.
Graves, who supported a bill in the U.S. House last week to provide funding for Israel’s Iron Dome defense system. “Israel is one of America’s greatest allies, and I hope my presence here, along with several other members of Congress, communicates the unbreakable bond between our two nations. I look forward to meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu and other key political and religious leaders from the region. There is a lot to learn about the peace process and the impact of events here on U.S. interests at home and abroad. While we will discuss a broad range of economic and political issues, I am especially interested to learn more about Israel’s counter-terrorism techniques, including their approach to securing borders and ports of entry.”
The trip is sponsored by the American Israel Educational Foundation (AIEF), a charity affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). AIEF routinely conducts these rigorous trips for members of Congress. The trip is paid for by AIEF, which is privately funded by American citizens. No taxpayer dollars are used to pay for the trip.