Gov. Greg Abbott recently met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli President Isaac Herzog to discuss the continued support of Texas for Israel, a West Asian nation of approximately 9 million. This meeting is his third visit since taking office in 2015 and coincides with Israel's 30-day mark since declaring war on Palestinian militant group Hamas following unanticipated attacks on cities and towns near the blockaded Gaza Strip.
"Texas has always, and will always, support Israel and the Israeli people,” said Greg Abbott in a Nov. 3 press release issued by the Office of the Texas Governor. The governor further shared his admiration for the resilient spirit of the Israeli people during this trip.
The governor expressed his inspiration after meeting Netanyahu, Herzog, survivors of an Oct. 7 attack, and families of kidnapped Israelis according to a released statement from his office. Abbott acknowledged everyone's courage and resolve from leadership to average citizens during these challenging times. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin R. Stitt also joined him on this trip which was coordinated by both Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Consulate General to the Southwest.
As reported by Houston Daily from another press release, Abbott emphasized that Texas shares what he described as a deep enduring bond with Israel marked by their mutual histories full of freedom blessings alongside burdens of vigilance.
The meeting between Abbott, Netanyahu, and Herzog took place in Jerusalem - a city considered holy in Christian, Jewish, and Islamic faiths. Furthermore, Abbott paid visits to victims of last month’s attacks at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center – Ichilov Hospital as stated in his release. Meanwhile The Guardian highlighted ongoing tensions as U.S. along with its Arab allies seem conflicted over implementing a ceasefire within this soon-to-be monthlong war but Israel rebuked this proposition equating it to surrender.