I am a proud supporter of the State of Israel, one of our nation’s closest allies in the world. For more than half a century, the United States and Israel have shared the common bonds of democracy and economic vitality, forging close partnerships in science, academia, and more. The enduring friendship between our countries is truly unbreakable.

Congressman Hastings with Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu during a visit to Israel in 2014

Israel continues to face serious regional threats. From Iran and Syria to the resurgence of al-Qaida and the militant strength of Hamas and Hezbollah, regional threats to Israel have dangerous consequences for the stability of the region.

Beginning in late 2015, an extremely disturbing wave of violence began sweeping through Israel. Daily shootings, stabbings, and vehicular attacks were carried out against Israeli citizens, yet the international community reacted with near silence. Acts of terrorism are unjustifiable, and I believe the Palestinian government must condemn this type of violence. Anything less is unacceptable and damaging to Palestinian legitimacy. I believe that peace is possible, and that Israelis and Palestinians alike deserve to live with dignity and free from fear of violence. This can only happen through peaceful and bilateral discussions, not incitement and bloodshed.

I am pleased to support Israel in the United States House of Representatives through a number of resolutions:

H.Con.Res.157, a House Concurrent Resolution expressing the sense of Congress that the United States should continue to exercise its veto in the United Nations Security Council on resolutions regarding the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and to oppose anti-Israel measures considered by the United Nations General Assembly and other United Nations bodies. Read a copy of the resolution from the 114th Congress here: http://bit.ly/2cwrAiC

H.Res.130, a House Resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe and encouraging greater cooperation with the European governments, the European Union, and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe in preventing and responding to anti-Semitism. Read a copy of the resolution from the 114th Congress here: http://bit.ly/2dtKOaF

H.Con.Res.96 (introduced w/ Rep. Woodall), Condemning Palestinian incitement of violence and reaffirming the special bond between Israel and the United States. Read a copy of the resolution from the 114th Congress here: http://bit.ly/2dtLqxb

H.Res.651, a House Resolution condemning the terrorist attack and murder of Taylor Force, the recent wave of terrorism against Israel, and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas' failure to condemn such attacks. Read a copy of the resolution from the 114th Congress here: http://bit.ly/2dwmb02