Reps’ letter to Obama urges Israel support

A congressional letter supporting the U.S.-Israel relationship and urging President Barack Obama to “remain steadfast in the defense of Israel” is circulating in the House of Representatives and has been signed by a number of prominent members.

The letter states that it is “in the national security interest of the United States to unequivocally reiterate that the United States stands behind its longtime friend and ally.”

Bipartisan signers include Reps. Ted Poe (R-Texas) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.), House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio), House Republican Whip Eric Cantor (R-Va.), House Foreign Affairs Chairman Howard Berman (D-San Fernando Valley) and ranking member Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.).

Leaders of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations called the letter a “very important statement reflecting the enduring support for the U.S.-Israel relationship” and urged other House members to sign the document.

The letter “details the efforts Israel made to divert the flotilla peacefully; voices concern about the role of the IHH in the attack against Israeli soldiers on the Mavi Marmara and the IHH’s connection to recognized terrorist groups; and also questions the true intent of the flotilla,” according to a statement from chairman Alan Solow and executive vice chairman Malcolm Hoenlein.