House Speaker Paul Ryan told thousands of Israel supporters late Monday he will use his leadership role in Congress to defend the Jewish nation by blocking any congressional bill that does not unite America and Israel.
“I can pledge to you tonight that as long as I am speaker, I will not allow any legislation that divides our countries to come to the House floor,” Ryan told the audience at the annual America Israel Public Affairs Committee conference in Washington, D.C.
The Wisconsin representative cited the House’s record of backing Israel even before he took over as speaker in November, including funding emergency support for the Iron Dome, fulfilling its security assistance commitment. Ryan also publicly announced plans to visit Israel next week for his first international trip as speaker.
Despite differences in opinion between Ryan the Obama administration on diplomatic relations with Israel, the speaker said he sees the Middle Eastern country as vital in the war on terrorism.
“And why is our relationship with Israel so important? Because in the fight against terrorism and proliferation, our interests are one and the same. For the terrorists, Israel is the first target, and we are the ultimate one. That’s because we share the same values,” Ryan said. “And this is the crux of the matter: I think the current administration understands that we need our allies. But it doesn’t understand what our allies need.”
