WASHINGTON, DC—Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and U.S. Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY), the Committee’s Ranking Member, announced they will travel to Israel next week.

Chairman Royce said: “Ranking Member Engel and I are traveling to Israel to show bipartisan support at a critical time. With Iran’s backing, Hamas was able to launch a barrage of rockets on innocent Israelis, reaching further and deeper into the country. Now with a ceasefire in place, we’ll be meeting with senior Israeli leaders as they chart their course forward. We’ll also assess the other threats to Israel – and the United States – including Iran’s nuclear program and the continuing Syrian implosion and its severe humanitarian and security consequences.”

Ranking Member Engel said: “Chairman Royce and I are making this trip to deliver a clear message: the Congress and the people of the United States stand with Israel. This ceasefire gives us the opportunity to meet with Israeli leaders about next steps to shore up Israel's security and ensure a lasting stop to the violence. We'll also consult with our ally about the range of regional conflicts at their doorstep. I look forward to a productive visit.”

During the trip, Royce and Engel are scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman, and Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon, and Palestinian Authority officials. Royce and Engel are also scheduled to tour an Iron Dome battery. Last month, the Committee unanimously passed, as amended, the Emergency Iron Dome Replenishment Act (H.R. 5235), which sent a strong message of support for Israel and ensured that the Iron Dome system is well-supplied and equipped to handle future threats.

###