US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi praised the “unbreakable bond” between the US and Israel during a visit to the country’s parliament in Jerusalem on Wednesday.
“The greatest political achievement of the 20th century was the establishment of the state of Israel,” said Ms Pelosi, who is leading a Congressional delegation to Israel.
Despite a change of leadership in both countries last year, the bilateral relationship has remained firm with Washington providing substantial funding to the Israeli military.
Ms Pelosi spoke about the latest $1 billion defence aid package, approved by the House in September, and the “terrorism posed by Iran”.
“The nuclear threat of Iran is a global one, it’s a threat to the world. Israel’s proximity to Iran is a concern to all of us,” she said.
Washington is trying to revive a 2015 nuclear deal signed between Tehran and world powers, which was scuppered when Donald Trump, who was US president at the time, withdrew from the accord.
Israel was firmly opposed to the landmark agreement and influencing the current talks from afar is a foreign policy priority.
While visiting the Israeli parliament, Ms Pelosi also reaffirmed Washington’s “commitment to a just and enduring two-state solution” for Israelis and Palestinians.
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett opposes a Palestinian state and there have been no substantive peace talks for more than a decade. Ms Pelosi said that a peace deal and two state solution would be, “one that embraces, enhances stability and security for Israel, Palestinians and their neighbours.”
“Passage of this bill reflects the great unity, in Congress on a bipartisan and bicameral basis, for Israel. Security assistance to Israel is vital, because Israel security is an imperative for America’s security,” she said at the time.
Ms Pelosi backed the bill to provide $1 billion to Israel to replenish Iron Dome interceptor missiles, many of which were used during the May conflict between Hamas and Israel.
TN
