In Speech to Israel’s Parliament, McCarthy Announces US House–Knesset Joint Group

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy Announces Parliamentary Friendship Group with Israel

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) has announced a new “parliamentary friendship group” between the U.S. House of Representatives and the Knesset, Israel’s parliament. This exciting new initiative will help to strengthen the bonds between our two great nations and build mutual understanding as elected representatives.

What is the House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group?

The House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group will engage more directly with the Knesset, travel to Israel, strengthen existing relationships, and forge new ones. On the House side, they will host Knesset members who wish to travel to the United States and do the same.

Why is this important?

McCarthy became the first House speaker since Newt Gingrich in 1998 to address the Knesset. In his speech, he touted the close bond between the United States and Israel, which is marking its 75th anniversary as a nation. “The United States cherishes our unbreakable bond with Israel. I’m proud that my country recognized your country only 11 minutes after it declared its independence, the first country to do so,” he said. “But our special relationship is even closer, more personal, and more powerful than we might realize.

McCarthy also warned about the threat from China. “Today, however, our innovation is at risk from a new threat: the Chinese Communist Party,” he said. “While the CCP may disguise itself as promoters of innovation, in truth, they act like thieves. We must not allow them to steal our technology.”

What else did McCarthy say?

McCarthy lauded Israel, like the United States, as having a process to review foreign investments. “I strongly encourage Israel to further strengthen its oversight of foreign investment—particularly Chinese investment—building on the steps it first took in 2019,” he said. McCarthy also rejected the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement.

Join the House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group

If you’re interested in joining the House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group, please contact your representative or visit the official website for more information.