WASHINGTON — Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, returned Tuesday from a trip to Israel, where he met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. During their meeting they discussed border and national security protocols.
On Tuesday, Johnson said this about the trip:
“My committee’s mission is to enhance the security of America. I traveled to Israel to see what steps a nation under a state of constant threat takes to provide greater security to its people. I had the opportunity to examine the walls and fencing along the West Bank and the newly constructed fence that protects Israel’s southern border with the Sinai. I also visited the Kerem Shalom crossing, where a daily average of 850 trucks carry goods between Israel and Gaza. I also reviewed the security procedures at Ben Gurion airport, where more than 16 million people transited this year. Finally, I discussed cybersecurity and threats to critical infrastructure with Israel’s Directorate of the National Cyber Bureau and National Cyber Security Authority.
“I also appreciate the hour Prime Minister Netanyahu spent with me discussing the deteriorating situation in Syria and the challenges facing the Middle East. We are in complete agreement that the world is a more peaceful and stable place when America and Israel are economically and militarily strong. I am pleased that our next administration appears to be serious about securing our borders and enhancing our national security. I stand ready to work with our next president as a partner in this endeavor. To achieve this goal, it is vital that we strengthen our relationship with Israel, our critical ally and friend.”
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