Rep. Davis visits Israel with congressional delegation

Rep. Don Davis has wrapped up a weeklong U.S. congressional delegation visit to Israel, one of America’s closest allies in the Middle East. 

Throughout his stay, Davis engaged in discussions focusing on the region’s complex geopolitics, highlighting the need for diplomatic progress and security collaboration. The central focus of his mission was to foster greater collaboration and understanding in a region often characterized by turmoil and conflict, according to a Thursday release from the congressman’s Greenville district office. 

Davis delved into national security matters with key members of Israel’s leadership, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, Knesset members, Israel Defense Forces leaders and national security experts. Davis also met with Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh.

While touring the northern border, Davis learned firsthand about Iran’s destabilization efforts. The release says Iran continues to support Hezbollah in Lebanon, providing financial aid, weapons and training while backing extreme actors like Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

Conversations also centered on normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia and the potential mutual benefits, including regional stability, as both are key players in the Middle East.

The Abraham Accords, a symbol of normalization and peace, took center stage in Davis’ dialogues. Signifying a historic shift in diplomatic relations, these international agreements were highlighted for their implications, emphasizing the need for continued efforts toward fostering cooperation and stability.

During this trip, Davis joined the Congressional Abraham Accords Caucus chaired by Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Ill. 

Security assistance emerged as a recurring theme, including defense programs like the Iron Dome system. The Iron Dome’s effectiveness resonated in the stories shared by residents living on the Gaza border, a daily life shadowed by the constant threat of missile strikes, leaving them with mere seconds to find safety. These personal stories underscored the importance of the air defense system.

“Instability and extremism continue to plague the Middle East,” Davis said. “Regional stability and preserving democracy are in the American people’s best interest. We must work to no end toward peace. The United States must continue to stand firmly in support of building democracies and cooperating with our allies.”

As he departed, Davis emphasized that diplomacy, security and the human experience are tightly woven strands in the fabric of regional progress. He reiterated the need for a comprehensive approach that embraces these diverse elements as a way forward.

“Our meetings this past week have only strengthened my resolve to work toward a stable, prosperous and peaceful region,” he said. 

Davis, a Democrat from Snow Hill, is in his first term representing North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District. He serves as vice ranking member of the U.S. House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness.