Clark Statement on Prime Minister Netanyahu's Address to Congress

Washington, D.C. -- Congresswoman Katherine Clark released the following statement regarding Prime Minister Netanyahu's scheduled address to Congress: 

“Israel is one of our strongest allies, and I am committed to maintaining and strengthening the special relationship between our two nations. At this point in history, with threats across the region and ongoing negotiations to stop Iran from ever developing a nuclear bomb, Israel needs our bi-partisan support. That is why I am deeply troubled that Speaker Boehner invited Prime Minister Netanyahu to speak before Congress not to further strengthen our connection to Israel, but with the purpose of dividing us. This invitation came without consulting the President or State Department and with the false representation that it was a bi-partisan invitation. Speaker Boehner has poisoned a critical foreign policy discussion with partisan gamesmanship. I will continue my full throated support for Israel, but I will not be part of Speaker Boehner’s attempt to divide our Congress and country over one of our strongest allies.”  

###