The U.S. House of Representatives is renewing the bipartisan House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group, making the announcement on Wednesday while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is still in Washington.
The group convenes U.S. and Israeli lawmakers to discuss strengthening ties between the two legislative bodies.
“This is an important time to bring together a bipartisan delegation of American and Israeli lawmakers to discuss mutual concerns and how to continue strengthening the alliance between our two nations,” House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) stated. “The House-Knesset Friendship group will be instrumental in building a broad understanding among elected representatives as we pursue together peace in Israel and lasting solutions for the Middle East.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said the “special relationship between the United States and Israel is anchored in our shared democratic values and strategic interests. Congress is committed in a bipartisan way to the safety and security of Israel and its right to exist as a Jewish, democratic state.”
And Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana of the Likud Party called the announcement “a historic milestone in U.S.-Israel relations, with legislative bodies leading the advancement of the partnership and exploring new opportunities,” as he cited ongoing House support for Israel since the Hamas-led terrorist attacks in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
“Since the war began, the U.S. House of Representatives has risen to the occasion, supporting Israel through statements and legislation that have bolstered its security and diplomatic efforts against the ayatollah regime in Iran and its terror proxies in the Middle East,” he stated. “Together, we will continue to strengthen the enduring alliance between Israel and the United States.”
Ohana helped set up the original friendship group in 2023 when then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.)
The group’s chair will continue to be Rep. David Kustoff (R-Tenn.), with Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) serving as the ranking member.
The other members include Reps. Randy Fine (R-Fla.), Craig Goldman (R-Texas), Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.), Max Miller (R-Ohio), Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), Richie Torres (R-N.Y.), Ann Wagner (R-Mo.) and Nikema Williams (D-Ga.).
