A trip for diplomacy in the Middle East

By U.S. Rep. Tom Cole
R-Oklahoma

Last month, I traveled to the Middle East, where I had the honor of meeting with heads of state and other leaders from Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Israel to learn more about the ongoing conflicts caused by Iran’s proxies and discuss mutual objectives to peace and security in the region.

During my meetings with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, King of Jordan Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, and Saudi officials, we discussed bolstering strategic alliances, the importance of increased regional cooperation, and our shared commitments to supporting the global security and safety of our citizens. These visits were very productive and high-level, as diplomacy is crucial to protecting American interests all around the world.

In Israel, I met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katzv.

As we all know, for the past year, Israel has been under assault by Iran, the largest state sponsor of terrorism and a deadly enemy to both Israel and the United States, and Hamas, a terrorist group who has no regard for civility, human life, or freedom, as they not only ruthlessly murdered, raped, and mutilated countless innocent Israelis on October 7, 2023, but also still holds hostages, some of which are American.

Therefore, in this meeting with Israeli leaders, my colleagues from both sides of the political aisle and I reiterated the unbreakable bond the United States shares with our great ally. We expressed to them that we will not waver in our ironclad support for our friend. We will stand like a rock with Israel to ensure the Israelis have the essential resources to defend itself and stop Iran’s support of global terrorism. We will not allow the Axis of Evil to win.

In addition, it would be a shame to go without mentioning our very important final stop of the trip – a visit with the officers and crew of an American warship in the eastern Mediterranean. Day in and day out, these heroic soldiers make us proud through their valorous work to defend our great nation, as well as our allies. 

As the Leader of the Free World, we must support our allies, work together, and lead through strength. To do anything else is a public betrayal to our friends in the Middle East and effectively supports an enemy to civilized people all around the world. So, after having the opportunity of meeting with many leaders last month, I leave you with one resounding, unwavering message: We, the United States of America, stand with our partners in the Middle East.