Kaine Statement on Upcoming Speech by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, who serves on the Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees, released the following statement regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's upcoming speech to Congress:

"Due to a previously scheduled commitment in Virginia, I am not able to attend this Wednesday's speech. But it remains clear that the security of Israel and U.S. servicemembers in the region are immediately dependent on steps toward a deal to release hostages held by Hamas, establish a durable ceasefire, and increase humanitarian aid into Gaza. I would expect any leader in Prime Minister Netanyahu's position to use this speech as an opportunity to provide an update on those matters."

Kaine has repeatedly reiterated his support for Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas following Hamas' horrific October 7 terrorist attacks and Iran's strikes on Israeli soil, pushed for more humanitarian aid in Gaza, and called on all parties to accept a deal to release hostages and establish a durable ceasefire in Gaza. After reports of a pending major weapons transfer from the U.S. to Israel, Kaine called on the Administration to ensure that any further arms transfers to Israel be comprised primarily of defensive weapons. In February, Kaine helped support passage of a security package including defensive support for Israel and humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza. Last week, Kaine expressed his frustration after the Knesset, Israel's parliament, voted to reject the establishment of a Palestinian state.

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