Foreign Policy / National Security - Middle East

I believe that only the U.S. can provide the leadership that is required for serious peace negotiations in the Middle East. The United States can – and should – play an active role in facilitating those negotiations. I pledge to support those efforts and will work to ensure the search for peace in the Middle East tops the U.S. foreign policy agenda.

I am committed to the security of Israel, as our most steadfast ally and the only true democracy in the Middle East. As a member of the U.S. Senate, I will strongly support comprehensive peace initiatives that aim to bring lasting peace and security to Israel and the Palestinians. However, neither the United States nor others can impose a realistic and lasting solution, as Israel and the Palestinians must be the ones to negotiate the core issues of any peace agreement. I support a two-state solution, but understand that such a solution requires proof that the Palestinians will not engage in terrorism against Israel and its citizens and clearly recognize its right to exist.

As a member of the U.S. Senate, I will strongly support economic and diplomatic sanctions against Iran, including the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act and the Iran Sanctions Enabling Act. I believe the United States must use every possible means to prevent Iran from pursuing its agenda of destruction – including its pursuit of nuclear weapons and its support for terrorist organizations and rogue states. It is imperative that all diplomatic efforts to engage Iran must have clear and short timelines for positive progress that prevent Iran from continuing to engage in deceit and delay while continuing their nuclear pursuits.