Our relationship with Israel is critical to the safety and security of not just our two nations, but to the entire world. As a stable democracy and strong global partner, Israel faces some of the most daunting challenges in promoting freedom, tolerance and peace.

The United States must continue to act with resolve and strength in addressing those who seek to threaten Israel and its people. This includes closely monitoring those who fund and support Palestinian terrorism. We simply cannot expect Israel to accept peace negotiations unless and until they have a true and determined partner in peace.

Through continued military support, joint cooperation on matters of safety and security, economic trade, and mutual respect for our strong values and cultures, our partnership with Israel will continue to grow stronger. As a U.S. Senator, I will work to promote our shared objectives by enhancing economic security between our nations.

So long as we have an American administration willing to stand resolute with our loyal friends in Israel – and a Congress with the necessary resolve to sustain our valued friendship – ruthless dictators, extremists and terrorist organizations will fail in their objectives to harm our two nations.

As a citizen, I have supported efforts to divest government-sponsored pension fund investments from state sponsors of terrorism – such as Iran. As a senator, I will work to not only ensure that we enforce existing sanctions on the Ahmadinejad government, but that we implement new, strict sanctions. In doing so, it is important that all options – including military force – be left on the table in seeing that Iran does not become armed with nuclear weapons.

Further, as long as the American taxpayers continue funding the bulk of the United Nations’ operations and missions – I will work to hold this entity accountable for their actions (or lack thereof) when it comes to the protection of Israel and its people. Israel has every right to protect its people from Hamas-fired missiles on innocent civilians in Gaza or from Hezbollah attacks from Lebanon.

Israel is not just a global democracy worth defending – it is a strong and loyal ally to the United States. As a U.S. Senator, I will work to enhance our relationship, maintain our economic and religious freedoms and stand resolute behind our shared, strategic goals and principles. In addition, I strongly support Jerusalem as the undivided capital of Israel, and I believe we should move our U.S. Embassy to that location.