Blog post by Senator Kit Bond from Israel

I arrived in Tel Aviv today - five hours later than planned due to a flight delay. But the wait was well worth it - the sight of Israel in the mist was a vision to behold.

My short time here has been busy. First, I was briefed on the intelligence cooperation between our countries. It is critical that we continue to strengthen this relationship as Israel is one of America's most important Democratic allies.

I talked to intelligence officials not only about intelligence but also about the importance of"Smart Power" and non-military initiatives to promote lasting peace and stability in this troubled region.

For instance, I was briefed on USAID clean sewer and water infrastructure projects in both Israel and Palestinian communties.We must also support access to health care for the needy. To see the shining example of humanitarian health services on the Palestinian side, I'm sending two of my staff members to Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem to see first-hand the care provided to pregnant mothers and babies.

Later in the evening, I met with a talented and creative young man schooled in St. Louis - so no surprise. Avi Goldstein, the Regional Co-Director for Peace it Together works for an organization dedicated to empowering Israeli and Palestinian youth. Avi has managed to harness all teenagers' favorite mediums -- internet and film -- to promote peace dialogue.
It is this type of inspirational work that brings together the young generation of Israelis and Palestinians that will help us achieve lasting peace.

In addition to national security and "Smart Power" or non-military talks, I also had the opportunity to promote Missouri interests.

I talked to the U.S. Ambassador to Israel as well as Israeli officials about Missouri's cutting-edge biotechnology, aerospace, and defense industry companies. Israel is already a strong trading partner -- which equals good paying Missouri jobs and good products and equipment in Israel. While we have a good relationship there is always room to grow -- I hope we can continue to increase the trade between our two great nations.

BOND MAKES TRIP TO ISRAEL

Senator to Discuss Strategic, Security, Economic Issues with One of America's Most Important Allies

WASHINGTON, DC - Following a tough senate vote on the auto industry bailout bill this week, MO U.S. Senator Kit Bond departed for a trip to Israel where he will meet with government officials, intelligence operators, U.S. Embassy personnel, and military officials to discuss key strategic, security and economic issues.

"Israel is our strongest democratic ally in the Middle East and one of America's most important partners," said Bond. "Also, because of the many common interests between Israel and my home state of Missouri, I look forward to discussing new ways to work together and hopefully create some Missouri jobs."

Bond, a long-time friend of Israel, has used his position as a senior member of the Senate Defense and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittees to support programs aimed at strengthening U.S.-Israeli cooperation, protecting Israel, and providing regional stability. Earlier this year Bond helped secure millions in federal funds for programs that are central to U.S.-Israeli defense cooperation, like the Arrow and David's Sling Weapons Systems.

For years, Bond has stressed the importance of American support for Israel. Bond emphasized that more than any other nation Israel stands on the front lines in our global war against radical Islam. Also, Bond pointed out that in the Middle East, Israel has stood as the shining example of the democratic values and principles Americans hold dear.

On this trip to Israel, Bond will meet with Israeli government, defense, and intelligence officials to discuss ways to further enhance and strengthen the important security cooperation between our two nations. In addition to security, Bond also plans to visit some of the "smart power" - or non-military projects in both Israeli and Palestinian territories he has supported. Bond stressed projects like the Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem that provide healthcare services to Palestinian women are critical to promoting peace and stability in the long-troubled region.

As Missouri's senior Show-Me-State Senator, Bond will also be promoting Missouri in Israel. Bond seeks to increase the economic and academic cooperation between Missouri and Israel, cooperation he hopes to turn into jobs for hard-working Missourians. Currently, there are a number of shared industries and areas of promising research for Missouri and Israel to discuss cooperation, such as aerospace, biotechnology and defense, Bond pointed out.