Courtney Statement on Prime Minister Netanyahu Address

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-2) released the following statement in response to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress:

“I attended today’s Joint Address by Prime Minister Netanyahu, because my unyielding support for the partnership between the United States and the State of Israel trumps the misguided, partisan process which led to today’s speech. Nonetheless, the friendship and alliance between the United States and Israel transcends political parties and partisan political gamesmanship.

“The true measure of the U.S.-Israel partnership is evidenced by our unparalleled military to military cooperation with our ally, which I discussed with General Lloyd Austin of U.S. CENTCOM in the House Armed Services Committee earlier today. From U.S. Navy support in the region that provides state-of-the-art missile defense systems to radar detection and aircraft, Israel has unmatched access to military technologies and assistance from the U.S.”

“I listened today to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s thoughts on the negotiations the United States and our allies are conducting with Iran to confine Iran’s nuclear program to civilian uses. If and when a deal is struck, I will exercise my responsibility as a Member of the United States Congress to examine the compact and weigh its merits.”

On February 18, Congressman Courtney sent a letter to House Speaker John Boehner expressing concerns with the timing of the speech so soon before Israel’s elections.

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