WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) released the following statement in response to news that Israel and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to establish formal diplomatic relations between the countries.
“Today’s agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates is a historic milestone on the path to regional peace,” said Senator Rosen. “It is my hope that this agreement paves the way for additional cooperation between Israel and other Arab states, which can only lead to a brighter future for the Middle East. Israel has long been America’s closest ally in the region, and it is heartening to see its neighbors recognize its potential as a partner. This achievement also reaffirms that American global leadership, including through continued engagement in the Middle East, is indispensable. When diplomacy is at the heart of U.S. foreign policy, we can achieve a more peaceful and just world. I commend the hard work and courage of those involved in the negotiations. I will continue my work in Congress to ensure that the U.S.-Israel relationship remains strong.”
BACKGROUND: Senator Rosen holds the distinction of being the third female Jewish Senator in U.S. history, as well as the first former synagogue president to serve in the United States Senate.
Senator Rosen has a long history of supporting the U.S.-Israel relationship. In September, Senator Rosen participated in a seven-day official visit to Israel. The Senator engaged in high-level policy briefings and meetings with renowned experts on Israel’s security, U.S.-Israel cybersecurity cooperation, clean energy, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Holocaust education, international law, and Israel’s vibrant democracy, diverse society, and regional challenges.
In February, Senator Rosen introduced a bipartisan resolution calling on the United Nations (UN) to extend its arms embargo on Iran. The UN arms embargo, which restricts Iran’s conventional weapons imports and exports, expires in October 2020.
Last year, Rosen introduced the US-Israel Cybersecurity Center of Excellence Act, S. 2309, bipartisan legislation that would require the State Department to investigate potential benefits of establishing a joint U.S.-Israel cybersecurity center.
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