ul. 27, 2006 21:31 | Updated Jul. 28, 2006 14:41
Congress forms Israel Allies Caucus
By ETGAR LEFKOVITS

The United States Congress on Thursday announced the establishment of an Israel Allies Caucus, meant to mobilize Christian support for Israel around the world.

The American congressional lobby, which is modeled on the Knesset's Christian Allies Caucus created two and half years ago, will debut with a membership of four Congressmen - two Republicans, Dave Weldon of Florida and Trent Franks of Arizona, and two Democrats, Eliot Engel of New York and Gene Green of Texas.

The new caucus plans to advocate Israel's right to live in peace within safe and secure borders, on the basis of shared Judeo-Christian values.

"During the current crisis, Israel and the world need to know that the US Congress stands firm in its commitment to Israel's protection and right to defend itself against terrorism and state-sponsored terrorists," Weldon told The Jerusalem Post on Thursday.

He said the formation of the caucus reflected an unwavering Congressional commitment to the state of Israel, and would serve as another means to communicate with an important ally.

"Israel's fight against terrorism is the US's fight against terrorism," Engel said in a telephone interview from Washington.

Engel, who is the only Jewish member of the caucus, said it was important to garner support for Israel on a bipartisan basis among its many Christian friends in the US.

Weldon and Engel will co-chair the lobby.

"I think that our basic appeal of reuniting people and especially politicians around Israel, not on a temporary cost-benefit approach, built on the most fundamental values of our civilization emanating from the Bible has proven itself," said Knesset Christian Allies Caucus founder MK Yuri Stern (Israel Beiteinu).

Just one more sign of the level of support for not only Israel but Israel's war on terrorism. I think the only way to achieve victory in the war on Islamic terror is to force the issue. America and Israel must stand together and make it clear that their are sides to choose in this war.

This move would bring it to black and white with the Muslim countries around the world. Does Israel have the right to exist? It also forces the question of should America be attacked, as part of Islamic Fascistic war against the west?

Let’s draw a line in the sand so we know really where we stand.