Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told the American Israel Public Affairs Committee conference on Tuesday the GOP-led Congress and White House have made Israel safer after the Obama administration failed to lead.
“In the last year, a new administration and a united front in Congress have charted a new course,” McConnell, R-Ky., told the pro-Israel organization. “America is rebuilding our capabilities, our partnerships, and our will to do what the circumstances require.”
McConnell praised President Trump for his “long-overdue” recognition “that Israel’s true capital is Jerusalem,” and for stepping up the fight against Islamic terrorists.
“Jerusalem is Israel’s capital, plain and simple. Jerusalem is where the United States embassy belongs,” McConnell added. “And in just a few months, for the first time ever, that’s exactly where it will be.”
McConnell said Congress has also played a role in helping Israel’s security by eliminating caps on U.S. military spending.
“[Defense] Secretary [Jim] Mattis and our military leaders will once again have more resources to meet the myriad missions our nation puts before them,” McConnell said. “Our counterterrorism cooperation has been exemplary.”
McConnell blamed the Obama administration for creating an eight-year leadership void exploited by Iran, the number one sponsor of terrorism in the region.
“All these failures stemmed from a central misunderstanding,” McConnell said. “For eight years, the previous administration failed to lead as an ally.”
