Rockland Reporter

Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) issued a statement in response to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to a joint session of Congress this afternoon.

"I was deeply moved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's remarks to Congress," said Congressman Lawler. "Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke of the horrors of October 7th, Israel's efforts going above and beyond to avoid civilian casualties, and the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship. Unlike some of my colleagues who chose to boycott today's speech or hold up childish signs, I will always stand with Israel."

"I appreciated Prime Minister Netanyahu's mention of the Abraham Accords and his aspiration to see a broader Abraham Alliance across the Middle East," Congressman Lawler concluded. "The Abraham Accords were the most significant diplomatic achievement in a generation and I was proud to work with Congressman Ritchie Torres to spearhead the bipartisan Special Envoy for the Abraham Accords Act – my first bill to become law – strengthening this historic agreement. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues and with our democratic partners to advance the cause of peace in the Middle East and stand up for Israel's right to defend itself."

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of the 118th Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.