FM Sa'ar addresses delegation of 250 US state legislators
Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs
FM Sa'ar: There is no better way for America to protect its values and interests in our region - than its close partnership with Israel. This partnership was supremely demonstrated in our joint operation against Iran's nuclear facilities in June. Together - we prevented the world's most dangerous regime from obtaining the world's most dangerous weapon.
Type: Press Releases
Topic: Foreign Policy
Publish Date: 15.09.2025
Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar to a delegation of 250 US state legislators, the largest delegation of US legislators ever to visit Israel: "Just yesterday, a Pro-Palestinian mob sabotaged the "Vuelta" bicycle race in Spain. They did so, with the support and encouragement of the Spanish Prime Minister. It is almost unbelievable. Mr. Sanchez and his Communist Ministers encourage violence. And praised those who did it also afterwards. It happened just days after he expressed regret at lacking an atomic bomb to 'stop Israel!' The normalization of political violence, and this a normalization by the Spanish Prine Minister and his Ministers, threatens all that we stand for. It must end now!"
A short while ago, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held the opening event in Jerusalem for the largest delegation of American legislators to visit Israel. At the event, remarks were given by Prime Minister Netanyahu, Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar and two representatives of the delegation, Michelle Strinden, Lieutenant Governor of North Dakota (Republican).and Lori Berman, Minority Leader of Florida Senate.
This bipartisan delegation, which includes 250 state legislators from all 50 states, is the largest legislative delegation ever to Israel. During their visit, the legislators will hold diplomatic discussions, meetings and will tour Israel.
Full Remarks by Minister Sa'ar:
"Deputy FM Sharren Haskel,
Ambassador Leiter,
Distinguished Legislators from all 50 states,
Welcome ladies and Gentlemen,
I want to begin by thanking you all for coming on this special visit. As we saw, for many of you, this is your first time here.
Welcome to Israel. Welcome to Jerusalem, our eternal capital. Two hundred and fifty state legislators. From 50 states. Republicans and Democrats. This extraordinary delegation is a testament to the depth of the bond between our nations.
It's a living expression of our grand alliance. This is probably the most significant delegation brought yet to Israel by the Foreign Ministry. It's part of a larger ongoing public diplomacy campaign led by my Ministry. And it is part of our effort to strengthen the great Israeli-American alliance.
****
Israel has no greater friend than America. The U.S. is a global superpower. But it's also - a moral superpower.
The Declaration of Independence that the Prime Minister just quoted promised "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness". America has not only upheld those values. It is - and has been - a beacon of light, liberty and justice for the world.
Through its bold leadership, America makes the world a better place.
And America has no ally more effective than Israel. The alliance between our nations safeguards American national security interests.
Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East. Until now.
From day one - and for 77 years already - it has been, we have been battling, for its existence. We fought long and hard against the most radical and extremist enemies.
Enemies of the United States too. Enemies that threaten our shared values.
There is no better way for America to protect its values and interests in our region - than its close partnership with Israel.
This partnership was supremely demonstrated in our joint operation against Iran's nuclear facilities in June.
Together - we prevented the world's most dangerous regime from obtaining the world's most dangerous weapon.
The greatness of the operation - led by Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump - reflects the greatness of American leadership in the world.
****
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We are witnessing a coordinated global effort against Israel today. The Prime Minister had described it.
It's not an attempt to change our borders. It's not an attempt to establish a Palestinian state. It's an attempt to eliminate the State of Israel, the only Jewish state. This is what it is.
Since Israel's birth, our enemies tried to eliminate us through different military means: Wars and terror. Terror of all kinds.
All of these efforts failed time and again: When they met the iron will of the Jewish people to defend ourselves. To ensure our own existence.
When military means failed, our enemies developed new tools.
Their goal remained the same: eliminating the Jewish state.
They turned to propaganda, political, legal and economic warfare.
Part of this well-oiled machine - is the effort to boycott Israel - through BDS and other means.
The best answer against BDS, until this day - has been anti-BDS legislation by your States. You did it. And thank you for that.
But now we are witnessing a new wave. A stronger wave. An increased use of this tool.
Israel can defend itself, by itself, on the battlefield. We demonstrated that time and again. But we need your assistance in the fierce battle of delegitimization.
The boycotters - must be boycotted.
Those who delegitimize - must themselves be delegitimized.
The tools may be new, but the name of this campaign is very ancient: It's antisemitism.
And its new form is the delegitimization of the State of Israel, the only Jewish state.
Antisemitism was out of fashion after the Holocaust. But it has come back now stronger than ever. And this new antisemitism has unfortunately found its way also into the United States. Which is something we didn't see in the past.
The new antisemites who think they can cleverly hunt Jews through economic means - must be deterred. There are still some States without BDS laws. We call on you: ensure your home states have laws to protect Israel and Jews against this modern antisemitism.
To those who already have anti-BDS laws, that's majority - we thank you.
But each and every one of you have the ability to set a personal and powerful example: To fight BDS - by turning it on its head.
Instead of boycotting Israel - promote engagement with Israel.
Instead of divesting from Israel - promote investments in Israel.
And instead of sanctioning the only Jewish state - speak out clearly against those who use this age-old hatred in a modern way.
****
Distinguished legislators,
Criticism of Israel's policies is legitimate.
But what are we witnessing today in the world goes far beyond that.
We are drowning in a sea of fake. Of lies.
A starvation campaign.
A genocide campaign. An apartheid campaign.
These are done through social media.
And so, your presence here is more important than ever. You are on the ground, seeing Israel and the truth with your own eyes.
Together, we must speak truth against lies. We must give voice to the facts over the fake propaganda being spread.
****
I want to pay my condolences for the horrific murder of Charlie Kirk.
He was a great friend of Israel. He helped us a lot.
He understood that our battles are linked.
That our fight for freedom, truth and our civilization - is basically one.
It must be clearly stated: Political violence has no place in our society. It threatens freedom.
Attempts to use violence and silencing to settle differences must be denounced.
This phenomenon uses harassment, threats and attempts to bully and scare political opponents into silence.
It is not only happening in America. It's also happening around the world. It's happening strongly in Europe. It's happening against Israel. And against those standing for our values.
Just yesterday, a Pro-Palestinian mob sabotaged the "Vuelta" bicycle race in Spain. They did so, with the support and encouragement of the Spanish Prime Minister. It is almost unbelievable.
Mr. Sanchez and his Communist Ministers encourage violence. And praised those who did it also afterwards. It happened just days after he expressed regret at lacking an atomic bomb to "stop Israel"!
The normalization of political violence, and this a normalization by the Spanish Prine Minister and his Ministers, threatens all that we stand for. It must end now!
****
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your presence here together in Israel, represents America at its best.
I hope that your time here will be meaningful.
Our ministry worked hard to create an interesting and enriching experience.
I want to thank the dedicated workers in the Foreign Ministry - who made this special visit possible. I especially want to thank our North America division, headed by Lior Haiat. Thank you.
But most of all, I want to thank you, the legislators, our dear guests:
We are counting on your support.
We are counting on your friendship, partnership and leadership.
We look forward to taking our great alliance to new heights.
God Bless America.
God Bless Israel.
And as we approach the Jewish New Year - I wish you all a happy new year. Shana Tova.
May it be a year of strength, of truth, and, hopefully - of peace.
Thank you."
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