Second District Congressman Rudy Yakym has issued the following statement following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to a joint session of Congress:

“Israel is our closest ally and the only democracy in the Middle East. Today, Prime Minister Netanyahu made a compelling case for why the U.S.-Israeli partnership must remain strong, especially as Israel continues to defend itself against Hamas terrorists in the wake of October 7.

“Today’s speech was also a sobering reminder that there are still American hostages being held captive in Gaza who must be brought home; an imperative that the Biden-Harris administration has sadly all but given up on.

“Finally, it was disappointing – although not surprising – that so many Democrats, including Vice President Kamala Hamas, boycotted Netanyahu’s speech as they shamelessly try to appease their radical, pro-Hamas base in an election year. I was proud to attend today’s speech and reaffirm that America will always stand with Israel.”