'Just as Iran threatens us, so too it threatens US'
Netanyahu emphasizes Gaza-Iran connection to US Congressmen delegation; Eric Cantor to Peres: PA state bid could jeopardize funding.
By GREER FAY CASHMAN, JPOST.COM STAFFNetanyahu with Majority Leader Eric Cantor 311(photo credit: Amos Ben Gershom/GPO)
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu met with 25 Republican members of the US House of Representatives on Monday, and thanked them for their support of Israel."Those who fire missiles at Israel are supported by Iran with weapons, money and training. They constitute a forward Iranian post on our borders," Netanyahu told them. "Just as Iran threatens us, so too it threatens the US."RELATED:US Affairs: The GOP and IsraelPoll: Obama keeps lead on Republicans in 2012 raceThe Israel Factor: The Republican presidential candidatesThe prime minister also spoke about the Iron Dome's effectiveness in intercepting missiles and his intention to station additional batteries.The delegation was led by Majority Leader Eric Cantor and Policy Committee Chairman Tom Price.Prior to a meeting with President Shimon Peres Cantor told journalists that the three congressional delegations totaling 81 people that came to Israel this month collectively represent the largest ever congressional delegation to visit this country.The members of the delegation are interested in the promotion of peace progress and freedom which is what Israel stands for, said Cantor.Cantor voiced the most strenuous objections to the recognition of the Palestinian Authority as a state at the United Nations. He also warned that if the Palestinians realized their objective, their funding will be in jeopardy. "It essentially obviates all agreements of the past" said Cantor who also expressed his serious objection to the Palestinian Authority alliance with Hamas.Asked how America would react to a barrage of rockets such as the onslaught against Israel, Cantor replied "America would not tolerate rockets being launched against our citizens."Cantor said he was totally in favor of the action taken by the IDF to thwart attacks against Israel and was also very impressed with the efficiency of the Iron Dome program.
At the meeting with the delegation, Peres also mentioned the Iron Dome and said that Israel would not have been able to acquire it without America's assistance. Peres estimated that in recent days the Iron Dome program had helped saved more than one million lives, including those of women and children.Click for full Jpost coverage
