WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to a Joint Session of Congress on Tuesday, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) discussed the United States-Israel relationship with the Ohio Delegation to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s Annual Policy Conference in Washington, D.C. While addressing the delegation, Brown announced his support of the Cardin-Collins resolution that expresses opposition to Palestinian efforts to seek unilateral recognition at the United Nations and states its firm belief that any Palestinian unity government must publicly and formally reject terrorism, accept Israel’s right to exist, and reaffirm previous agreements made with Israel.

Israel's Prime Minister and Sen Brown“Ohio’s communities and businesses have a long and enduring history with Israel,” Brown said. “From agriculture and the environment, to economic development and clean energy, Ohioans and all Americans benefit from the rich cultural and commercial exchange between our countries. That’s why it is imperative that friends of Israel in the United States continue to bolster this most vital relationship.”

“To strengthen the relationship between the U.S. and Israel, it is imperative that we address the Palestinian people’s unilateral efforts to seek recognition before the UN,” Brown added. “And when the Palestinians seek unilateral UN recognition, we say ‘no’, clearly with a single voice – which is why I’m proud to sign onto S. Con Res. 185, sponsored by Senators Cardin and Collins.”

In February, Brown sent a letter to House Appropriations Chairman Mike Rogers and House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan in defense of foreign aid funding to the nation of Israel.

Brown visited Israel last November. Ohio is Israel’s 19th largest trading partner, exporting nearly $228 million worth of goods in 2010 and more than $3.1 billion since 1996.

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