Nancy Pelosi, congressional delegation arrives in Israel, reaffirms support

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the congressional delegation arrived in Israel this week. During their arrival, Pelosi reaffirmed support for Israel regarding Iran as tensions remain between the two countries.

Reuters reports Pelosi reaffirmed the United States’ support for Israel during her remarks at the Knesset. Pelosi also said that she hopes the Senate would pass the additional funding that was passed by the House back in September last year for the iron dome anti-missile system that Israel uses to intercept the rockets fired from the Gaza strip.

“We’re together in the fight against terrorism posed by Iran both in the region and also its nuclear development,” said Pelosi in her speech. “Israel’s proximity to Iran is a concern to all of us.”

Pelosi’s visit comes at a time when tensions remain high between Israel and Palestine. Clashes between Palestinians and Jewish settlers in Sheikh Jarrah in Eastern Jerusalem have been frequent. The US House Speaker then reiterated the US stance on a two-state solution for the security and stability of both Israel and Palestine, including the neighboring nations.

Pelosi is also set to meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah Thursday. The schedule, however, does not include a visit to the Gaza Strip that has been blockaded by the Islamic militant group Hamas.

In other related news, Bloomberg reports a group made up of 21 industry groups from the technology, and automotive sectors have called on Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to finalize and pass legislation that would fund domestic chip production.

In 2021, Congress authorized federal spending on research and design initiatives to bolster domestic chip production and create subsidies for domestic manufacturers. However, the funds are required to be included in an appropriation measure before it can be done.

“It is essential Congress act swiftly to provide funding to make this law a reality,” said the groups in a letter addressed to Pelosi, Schumer, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy.

“Our global competitors are investing heavily in semiconductor manufacturing and research and continued inaction by the US risks placing our country further behind in the competition for economic growth, supply chain resilience, technology leadership, and strengthened national security,” the letter went on to say.