Visiting Illinois congressman pledges support for Israel

United States Rep. Robert Dold (R-Illinois) says current ME upheaval makes it important for US to support "its only democratic ally in the region.”

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Robert Dold 311 (photo credit: Courtesy)
Robert Dold 311
(photo credit: Courtesy)
United States Rep. Robert Dold (R-Illinois) pledged his support for Israel as America’s only ally in the Middle East, during a four-day trip to Israel this week where he met with Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon, Deputy Prime Minister Moshe Ya’alon, former IDF Chief of Staff Lt.- Gen. (res.) Gabi Ashkenazi and industrialist Eitan Wertheimer.
“The current upheaval in the Middle East makes it particularly important for the United States to reaffirm support for its only democratic ally in the region,” Dold, 41, said in a statement he released to the media.
“With Egypt’s transition to a post-Mubarak government, the recent accord between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, Syria’s increasing violence against anti-regime protesters, and Iran’s pursuing nuclear weapons, it is critical that Israel stands strong during these volatile times,” Dold said.
During his meetings he spoke both of the stalled peace process and Iran’s nuclear program. His trip was sponsored by the Chicago Jewish Federation.