WASHINGTON (JTA) — A delegation of Democratic House members led by Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) met in Israel with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The U.S. lawmakers and Netanyahu discussed "U.S.-Israel relations and regional security issues," said a statement Sunday, following the delegation’s arrival.
"The delegation appreciated hearing the Prime Minister’s views and told him we look forward to his thoughts on how to move the peace process at this critical point in Middle East history when he addresses a Joint Meeting of the Congress later this month," said the statement.
Netanyahu raised eyebrows among Democrats last month when Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio), the speaker of the House of Representatives, announced that the Israeli leader would address Congress. Such visits are usually coordinated with congressional Democrats and the White House.
Along with Pelosi, the minority leader, the delegation of nine includes Rep. Steve Israel (D-N.Y.), the chairman of the Democratic House election campaign, and Rep. Nick Rahall (D-W. Va.), a tough Israel critic.
the delegation arrived on Israel’s Memorial Day and on the eve of its Independence Day.
"On this day, we remember all of the Israeli sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, who have gone to war and never come home," the statement said about Memorial Day. "And we remember all of the victims of terror lost in acts of violence."
