Abbott on meeting with Netanyahu: 'Texas has always, and will always, support Israel and the Israeli people'

In a recent meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott discussed ways that Texas could continue to support Israel. This marked Abbott's third visit to the West Asian nation of approximately 9 million since taking office in 2015 and comes as Israel nears its first month since declaring war on Hamas, following attacks on cities near the Gaza Strip.

"Texas has always, and will always, support Israel and the Israeli people,” said Abbott. “During this trip, I saw firsthand the resilient spirit of the Israeli people", he added.

Following his interactions with Netanyahu, Herzog, survivors of an Oct. 7 attack, and families of kidnapped Israelis, Abbott expressed how inspired he felt by everyone, from leadership to the average citizen, due to their courage and resolve. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin R. Stitt joined Abbott on this trip, which was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel and the Consulate General of Israel to Southwest.

Houston Daily cited a press release from Abbott’s office where he had stated that Texas shares what he described as a deep bond with Israel stemming from shared experiences in freedom and vigilance. "The histories of both bare the blessings of freedom and burdens of vigilance," said Abbott.

Abbott met with Netanyahu and Herzog in Jerusalem — a city considered holy in Christian, Jewish, and Islamic faiths. As per reports released by his office, he also visited victims at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center – Ichilov Hospital who were affected by last month's attacks. A report from The Guardian mentioned that while there are ongoing talks about implementing a ceasefire in what is expected to be a month-long war between U.S., its Arab allies, and Israel - Israel asserts that doing so would equate to surrender.