WASHINGTON, D.C.–While some Democrats in Congress, including Mississippi’s Bennie Thompson (2nd District), chose to sit out Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech Tuesday, Mississippi’s Republicans have said they stand with Israel and believe the speech showed why Iran is a continues security risk.
“Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu occupies a unique vantage point to address the dangers posed by a nuclear Iran and Islamic extremists. In his historic address, he reminded the world that Iran is a volatile nation with dangerous aims and direct ties to terrorist groups,” said Sen. Roger Wicker in a statement after the speech.
“Last week, Secretary John Kerry, the Administration’s chief negotiator with Iran, said, ‘We are actually living in a period of less daily threat to Americans.’ The following day, National Intelligence Director James Clapper offered a stark contrast to Secretary Kerry’s rosy report, noting that last year was the most lethal year for global terrorism since 1970. If the Administration cannot agree on the threats America faces, then how can we be assured that the risk of a nuclear Iran will be confronted in a meaningful way?
“It is no wonder, then, why Israel and many members of Congress have grave concerns about the ongoing talks regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
“Israel remains one of America’s closest allies, and its security is imperative to U.S. interests and the future stability of the region. The bonds of our countries’ long-standing partnership should not be jeopardized by the Administration’s cold shoulder. As Mr. Netanyahu has stated, Israel is ‘a bipartisan issue.’ Israel deserves our continued support, commitment, and respect.”
Pres. Obama has said he hopes on-going negotiations will have results in keeping Iran from developing or obtaining a nuclear weapon, a position that Republicans have said they believe will be ineffective and may lead to Islamic terrorists becoming bolder.
“The Prime Minister’s speech served as a stark reminder of the dangers our nations must be ever-vigilant against. We share common interests in fighting against terrorist activities perpetrated by Islamic radicals and preventing Iran gaining nuclear weapon capabilities,” said Sen. Thad Cochran, chairman of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, who is a cosponsor of the Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act of 2015 (S.269), which would strengthen Congressional oversight of the ongoing P5+1 negotiations with Iran.
Cochran has consistently supported policies and funding to support the ability of Israel to defend itself, including the effective Iron Dome rocket defense system, said a statement from his camp.
“I stand with Israel,” was the message from Cong. Steven Palazzo (4th Dist.).
“Israel is our greatest ally in the Middle East and their entire existence is being threatened by its enemies, while Iran continues its march toward a nuclear bomb. It’s vitally important now more than ever that we stand by Israel and all of our allies in this fight against Islamic extremism.
This is not a partisan issue and it’s not about politics—it’s about the survival of Israel as well as the security of our own nation. We must stand firm as a nation and work together with Israel to combat the threat of terrorism that endangers us all,” he said.
