Stuart, Fla. – Next week, U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) will travel to Israel to meet with senior Israeli government and military leaders, including a planned meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as part of Rep. Mast’s role on the Foreign Affairs Committee.

“Following my service in the U.S. Army, I chose to volunteer alongside the Israeli Defense Forces because our countries share the common ideals of freedom, democracy and mutual respect for all people,” Rep. Mast said. “This trip is a great opportunity to hear directly from Israeli government and military leaders about how our two nations can work together to further advance these values.”

In addition to meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu, Rep. Mast plans to meet with former Israeli Ambassador to the United States Dr. Michael Oren and United States Ambassador to Israel David Friedman, as well as Israeli military leaders, professors and entrepreneurs. The group will also visit Israeli military bases, as well as tour historic and holy sites. Last week, Rep. Mast met with Israeli Ambassador to the United States Ron Dermer in Washington, D.C.

After serving more than 12 years in the United State Army, Rep. Mast volunteered to serve alongside the Israeli Defense Forces to show support for the freedom Israel represents throughout the Middle East and around the world. As a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Mast has advocated for efforts to combat anti-Semitism, promote stability in the Middle East, and counter terrorist efforts targeting Israel and the United States. Rep. Mast is currently the sponsor of legislation to sanction financial backers of Hamas.

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