Few issues in American foreign policy command the kind of bipartisan importance that the US-Israel relationship does. For me, that relationship is not only strategic or ideological, but it is also deeply personal.
On my most recent trip to Israel, my mother joined me for the first time. Watching her fall in love with Israel and its people was moving enough, but what happened next was unforgettable. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave her a shout-out on social media – an unexpected gesture that spoke to the warmth and openness of the Israeli people. That moment crystallized something I have always believed: support for Israel is not just a policy position, it’s a deep bond forged through shared sacrifice.
Currently, Israel is the only true democracy in the Middle East, a beacon of freedom and pluralism in a region that desperately needs both. For that reason, Congress has an obligation to continue supporting Israel and to do so in a way that transcends partisan divides.
Some say that bipartisan work on Israel is no longer possible. I disagree. One of the first pieces of legislation I introduced in Congress was done alongside my Democratic colleague, Congressman Brad Schneider. Together, we introduced the Promoting Education on the Abraham Accords for Comprehensive Engagement Act – the PEACE Act.
The PEACE Act is simple in its premise and powerful in its purpose. It directs the US State Department to institutionalize training on the Abraham Accords and other normalization agreements, ensuring that future American diplomats understand both the opportunities and the responsibilities that come with expanding regional peace. The Abraham Accords reshaped the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East in a way few believed possible. They advanced coexistence, and fostered economic cooperation, making peace achievable.
As someone who believes firmly in maintaining strong American leadership in the Middle East, I was proud to partner with Congressman Schneider on legislation that reinforces our commitment to diplomacy rooted in President Donald Trump’s Peace Through Strength agenda.
The PEACE Act is essential to ensuring our next generation of diplomats is equipped to deepen regional cooperation and advance American interests.
My support for Israel does not end at legislation or public statements. Anyone who follows me on X/Twitter knows that I regularly host Israeli ministers, Knesset members, generals, and community leaders in my Washington office. These meetings serve an important purpose: bringing authentic Israeli voices directly to lawmakers and ensuring that discussions about the US-Israel relationship are informed by real lived experience, not mischaracterizations or political spin.
Most recently, I welcomed Israeli Transportation Minister Miri Regev, MK Simcha Rothman, MK Hamad Amar, and Israeli Arab activist Yosef Haddad, along with 15 Israeli Arab leaders. These conversations matter because they reflect the true richness of Israeli society.
When lawmakers hear directly from Israelis of every background, they gain a clearer understanding of the country’s diversity, its challenges, and its democratic strength.
This mission is also personal to me because of my heritage. As the proud son of a Druze mother, championing the Druze community in Israel and worldwide is not just a responsibility; it is an honor that I take very seriously. Hanging on my Christmas tree in my office right now is a Druze star ornament.
The Druze people have long demonstrated extraordinary heroism, loyalty, and sacrifice.
Their steadfast commitment to coexistence deserves recognition in Congress and across the US.
Strengthening ties with Druze leaders and ensuring their voices are heard is a cause I enthusiastically embrace.
Poisonous lie that Israel is an apartheid state
That commitment to truth is especially important as we confront the persistent and poisonous lie that Israel is an apartheid state. This narrative is not merely inaccurate; it is weaponized propaganda aimed at delegitimizing the Jewish state. I just hosted 15 Israeli Arabs in my office. I did not see apartheid. I saw citizens who are proud of their country, engaged in its civic life, and eager to build a shared future.
Our response to these lies cannot be passive. Israel must go on offense by telling the real story through facts, lived experience, and the voices of Jews, Arabs, Druze, Christians, Bedouin, and countless others who make up Israel’s remarkably diverse society.
I have said before that America First does not mean America alone – and I will continue to champion this perspective. Our country is strongest when we stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies. A strong Israel makes America stronger and safer. Our destinies are linked by democracy, values, and the simple truth that freedom must be defended.
President John F. Kennedy once said, “Israel was not created in order to disappear, Israel will endure and flourish. It is the child of hope and the home of the brave. It carries the shield of democracy, and it honors the sword of freedom.”
Those words remain as true today as they were when he first spoke them. Israel endures. It flourishes. And it deserves the unwavering support of the US today, tomorrow, and always.
The writer is a member of the US House of Representatives from Arizona.