Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas recently held meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, and several other officials to explore ways in which the Lone Star state can continue to support Israel. The visit, his third since assuming office in 2015, coincided with the end of the first month since Israel declared war on Palestinian militant group Hamas following surprise attacks on cities and towns close to the blockaded Gaza Strip.
"Texas has always, and will always, support Israel and the Israeli people,” said Gov. Abbott in a press release dated Nov. 3 from his office. "During this trip, I saw firsthand the resilient spirit of the Israeli people”, added Abbott.
As indicated by the press release, Abbott was deeply inspired by his interactions with Netanyahu, Herzog, survivors of an Oct. 7 attack and families of kidnapped Israelis. He lauded their courage and resolve displayed by everyone from leadership to ordinary citizens. Oklahoma Governor Kevin R. Stitt also joined Abbott during this visit that was organized by Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its Consulate General to the Southwest.
Drawing upon a previous statement made public through his office, Houston Daily reported that Gov. Abbott underscored the strong bond between Texas and Israel citing common historical experiences centered around freedom's blessings as well as burdensome vigilance.
The trio's meeting transpired in Jerusalem revered as a holy city by adherents of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam alike. According to details divulged via the press release issued from Gov. Abbott's office, he also met victims of last month’s attacks at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center – Ichilov Hospital during this trip. Meanwhile The Guardian reported contentious issues between U.S.A along with its Arab allies and Israel over instituting a ceasefire within this nearly one-month-long conflict; however Israel dismissed such proposals equating them with capitulation.