In Address to Israeli Parliament, McCarthy Says Israel Is a ‘Story of Survival’

U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy Expresses Solidarity with Israel on its 75th Anniversary

Israel is a story of survival against the perils of war and terrorism, and U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) expressed his solidarity with Israel on its 75th anniversary at the opening ceremony summer session of the Knesset—the Israeli parliament. McCarthy is heading a 16-member bipartisan congressional delegation on his second day of his visit to Israel.

McCarthy noted that in spite of the constant threat of terrorism, Israel is a thriving democracy and an innovative economy in the Middle East, ranked as the fourth-performing economy among developing nations. He said that the rebirth of Israel is nothing less than a modern miracle.

McCarthy said that the U.S.–Israel relationship is as important as ever, and he is proud that the United States recognized Israel 11 minutes after it declared its independence, being the first country to do so. He added that the United States cherishes this unbreakable bond between the two nations.

Iran Poses a Threat

McCarthy said that Iran poses a threat to both the United States and Israel. He added that Iran wants to entrench missiles in Syria, empowers the terrorist organization Hezbollah in Lebanon, and is fueling a brutal civil war in Yemen. He said that Iran seeks to encircle Israel with hostile forces.

Most of the turmoil in the Middle East can be traced back to Iran, McCarthy said, which continues to fund terrorism, arm its proxy militias, and pursue nuclear weapons. The Iranian regime cannot be allowed to succeed, he said, adding that in order to deter the dangerous behaviors of the Iranian regime, the United States and Israel must continue to stand together.

McCarthy said that as long he is Speaker, America will continue to support full funding for security assistance in Israel, referring to Iran’s precision-guided missiles, drones, terror tunnels, and cyber attacks. He added that they must also remain resolute in their commitment that Iran will never acquire nuclear weapons.

The first and most urgent challenge is the joint effort of Israel and the United States to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his address to the Knesset.

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid said that while there are disagreements with the governing coalition, there is a consensus in Israel about the danger the Iranian regime poses. He said that they all agree that Iran must not develop nuclear weapons and that they must work together with the United States to make sure that this nightmare does not become a reality.

Chinese Communist Party

McCarthy said that innovation in the United States is being threatened by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). He added that the CCP is stealing American intellectual property, infiltrating American universities, and using its economic power to coerce American companies into doing its bidding. He said that the United States must stand up to the CCP and protect American innovation.

• Israel is a story of survival against the perils of war and terrorism.
• Iran poses a threat to both the United States and Israel.
• The Chinese Communist Party is threatening American innovation.

McCarthy’s visit to Israel highlights the importance of the U.S.–Israel relationship and the need for continued cooperation in the face of common threats.