In the aftermath of Gov. Ron DeSantis leading a business trip to Israel earlier this year, the man who replaced him in Congress is visiting that nation this week.
Freshman U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., headed to Israel this week as part of a congressional trip to build ties between the two nations.
“The U.S. and Israel’s partnership is defined by a united alliance in peace, freedom and democracy,” Waltz said on Monday. “It’s critical each of our countries learn more about each other’s political, educational and economic investments. I’m looking forward to meeting with leaders across the spectrum and learning more about how to foster this important relationship moving forward.”
DeSantis’ trip was clearly on Waltz’s mind on Monday.
“Gov. DeSantis’ trip was an important mission to encourage prosperity and partnership between Florida and Israel,” Waltz said. “I’m confident this trip will be an important follow-up to strengthen our relationship at the congressional level and reaffirm our commitment to our greatest ally in the region.”
The congressman’s office laid out some of the rationale behind the trip.
“The congressional mission allows members of Congress to learn more about the U.S.-Israel relationship, the peace process, Israel’s national security as well as political trends and economic and business opportunities in the region,” Waltz’s office noted. “Israel is critical to stability in the Middle East and has been an important partner for the U.S.’ national defense interests in the region.”
The trip is sponsored by the American Israel Education Foundation (AIEF) which is connected to AIPAC.
First elected to Congress last year, Waltz serves on the U.S. House Armed Services Committee where he has worked to support Israel including helping that nation’s missile defenses. The first Green Beret to serve in Congress, Waltz served in Afghanistan and as an aide to then Vice President Dick Cheney.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
