WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) today released the following statement in regard to the appearance of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before a joint session of Congress.

“It was an honor to be in the House Chamber to listen to Prime Minister Netanyahu. I did not want to pass up the opportunity to hear what the leader of one of America’s strongest and most important allies had to say.

“Israel’s very existence is always hanging in the balance. The previous leader of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, made his belief very clear that Israel, a nation of eight million people, must be ‘wiped off the map.’ While Ahmadinejad is no longer in power, the threat of a nuclear armed Iran to Israel and the rest of the world remains.

“I stand with Prime Minister Netanyahu in my belief that any negotiations or deals with Iran must be done in a way that ensures the country remains nuclear free. This Administration seems to be taking a naïve approach to foreign affairs. Therefore, it does not give me much comfort that the best interests of Israel or the United States will be at the forefront of any deal.

“The United States must continue to do everything possible to ensure that Israel survives and thrives as a shining example of democracy in the Middle East. Anyone who treats Israel as if it is expendable must be dealt with from a standpoint that they are not acting in good faith.”

In Washington, Congressman Aderholt serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies for the powerful House Appropriations Committee; he is also a member of the Committee’s Defense Subcommittee, the Committee’s Commerce, Justice, and Science Subcommittee, and the Helsinki Commission.

For more information about Aderholt’s work in Congress visit: www.aderholt.house.gov.

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