After returning from a recent trip to Israel, Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-Indiana) told “Washington Watch” he remains convinced there is “no greater friend” than Israel, even compared to other longtime allies.
Stutzman appeared on the show to describe a resolution he has introduced that urges the United States to shift its relationship with Israel from foreign aid to a close partnership.
The resolution has the backing of Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.
Describing what he saw on his trip to Israel, Stutzman said Israel’s technology is advancing rapidly, and its business climate is humming and productive, even when the tiny nation is fighting wars to protect its borders and its people.
“It reminds me of Nehemiah, when Nehemiah went back to Israel to build the wall,” Stutzman shared. “He had to have a sword in one hand and was building with the other hand. And it's the same thing.”
In the current U.S.-Israel fight against Iran and its regime, Stutzman pointed out NATO ally Great Britain refused to cooperate with the Trump administration to use British air space and runways during Operation Epic Fury.
“And they're the ones that have the most benefit from eliminating Iran's chokehold over the Strait of Hormuz,” show host Tony Perkins complained.
On the show, Perkins played a clip of Prime Minister Netanyahu describing his wish for the U.S.-Israel relationship to move to more from Israel depending on U.S. military aid to a two-nation “partnership.”
Asked by Perkins what he thinks that “partnership” would look like, Stuzman described a “mature relationship” that involves Israel’s use of its technology and manufacturing.
“It would go from aid to trade,” Perkins summarized.
On the issue of Trump cursing Netanyahu for attacking Hezbollah in Lebanon, which the president has admitted to, Stutzman blamed the media for suggesting there is a fractured relationship between the two leaders.
“You know what? That's like two brothers talking to each other. They're trying to get a job done in Iran,” the Congressman stated.
