WASHINGTON – Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., today released the following statement regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to a joint session of Congress:

“Prime Minister Netanyahu is absolutely right - the world cannot tolerate a nuclear Iranian regime. The Obama administration is signaling it will support temporarily restricting, not eliminating, Iran’s potential to produce nuclear weapons, but I believe it is critical that we act to ensure Iran does not obtain nuclear capabilities. Any deal reached by the State Department and Iran regarding their nuclear program needs to include Congressional involvement.

“As a strong supporter of Israel, I am concerned about the instability and the animosity that subsists toward one of our strongest allies. Though there may be widespread ignorance in the international community about the conflict between Israel and those who seek its destruction, the simple truth is that throughout history Israel has made numerous concessions in the pursuit of peace while seeking only the right to exist and defend itself from all threats. A strong Israel is paramount in the region and not giving it our backing would be supporting terrorists. Support for Israel includes support for its duly elected political leadership, and I considered it my responsibility as an elected representative to attend a speech by the leadership of one of our closest allies.”

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U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx represents North Carolina’s 5th Congressional District and is the elected Republican Conference Secretary. Dr. Foxx is the chair of the House Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Higher Education and serves as Vice Chair of the House Rules Committee.