Opposes Recent Geneva Agreement Regarding Iran’s Nuclear Capability
(Long Island, NY) Senator Lee M. Zeldin, a Jewish Republican Candidate for Congress in New York’s First Congressional District, released the following statement regarding the U.S.-Israel alliance, which has been harmed by the Obama’s administration’s recent agreement related to Iran’s nuclear capability:
“I strongly support the State of Israel as the home of the Jewish people with Jerusalem as its capital.
The United States has no greater friend than Israel. Israel is America’s most reliable ally, a stable democracy and important strategic partner in the Middle East. Our two nations work together to prevent terrorism, nuclear and missile proliferation and the spread of radical Islamist ideology. Our economies work in sync, and our values and worldview are the same. A threat to Israel is a threat to the U.S.
Strategic cooperation between the United States and Israel is essential to confronting new threats and challenges in the Middle East. With the common goal of promoting democracy and freedom, the U.S. and Israel must strengthen the relationship between our two nations. A secure and free Israel makes the entire Middle East region safer. Thus, the United States must continue its financial support and security assistance to Israel. I support the 10-year Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2007 that provides increased levels of aid and that also demonstrates the United States’ security commitment to Israel.
Israel’s private sector is a global innovator in the development of technology, medical care and research, agriculture, and many other areas. The future of our countries, our people and our economies are linked.
Peace in the Middle East: America must support Israel’s quest to achieve peace. Peace is the prayer of all good and decent people. Israel plays a most vital role in securing the Middle East. Israel must have the resources to defend herself from hostile neighbors. A strong Israel is the only road to peace.
Peace will only be possible when the Arab world recognizes the State of Israel, her absolute right to exist, her inherent right to self-defense and her willingness to live in peace with her neighbors. Any peace process that pressures Israel or emboldens her enemies is not constructive. America’s steadfast support of Israel is essential if we are to achieve peace in the Middle East, and I intend to do all that I can in Congress to ensure and to strengthen the US-Israel alliance.
A Nuclear Iran: While diplomatic efforts are critical, we cannot be fooled by continuous games and idle talk. Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear capability. I support enforcement of U.S. sanctions on Iran, expanding sanctions to include human rights violations and giving the President authority to impose sanctions on any entity that maintains significant commercial ties with Iran. As Iran continues development of nuclear weapons, the sanctions must increase. I oppose the November 24, 2013 interim deal reached in Geneva that eases certain sanctions against Iran. There are a myriad of problems with the accord contributing to the waning influence of the United States in the Middle East and the concurrent increasing influence of Russia. This agreement is justifiably unsettling for our staunch allies in the region: Israel and Saudi Arabia. This fundamentally flawed agreement allows continued uranium enrichment by Iran and does not require the destruction of already enriched uranium. A nuclear Iran must never become a reality.
I will also support legislation that restricts Iran’s ability to import and produce petroleum products. I will support all necessary efforts to end the threat Iran poses to Israel, America and world peace.”
To learn more about Senator Zeldin and his campaign for Congress, please visit www.zeldinforcongress.com.
