U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-9) is in Israel this week with congressional colleagues, led by Minoroty Whip Eric Cantor, to learn more about our nation’s strategic relationship with Israel, the Middle East peace process, Israel’s security concerns and the status of important economic and political trends in Israel.

“Israel is the oldest democracy in the Middle East and one of our country’s closest allies. This trip will provide me with the opportunity to learn more about Israel’s special relationship to the U.S. and how Israel deals with the common threat that confronts both of our countries: international terrorism,” said Luetkemeyer, who arrived in Israel yesterday and will return to Missouri on August 9. “I expect to leave Israel with information and experiences that will be helpful to my work on national security and foreign policy issues in Congress.”  

Luetkemeyer is participating in several high-level meetings with a wide variety of leaders and experts on the Middle East peace process, U.S.-Israeli defense cooperation and Israel’s economy.

The fact-finding trip is not paid for with taxpayer dollars and is sponsored by the American Israel Education Foundation (AIEF). AIEF sponsors educational programs, such as trips to Israel for community leaders and elected officials, seminars on Middle East issues at universities throughout our country and other projects that help educate the public about U.S.-Israeli relations.

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