Peters Introduces Amendment Supporting Israel’s Security

Bipartisan Amendment Would Authorize Joint U.S.-Israel Research on Anti-Tunnel Defense

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today announced he and Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) have introduced a bipartisan amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) authorizing joint U.S.-Israel research on anti-tunnel defense. Israel’s security is under threat by terrorist groups, including Hezbollah and Hamas, working to maintain a series of underground tunnels to smuggle weapons and launch attacks on and kidnap Israeli citizens.

“Israel is our closest ally in the Middle East, and it is constantly under threat from terrorist groups that are utilizing an underground tunnel infrastructure in efforts to attack Israel,” said Senator Peters. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan amendment that will not only improve Israel’s security, but will also increase our country’s capabilities when it comes to countering tunnel smuggling and attacks both abroad and along our borders.”

Peters’ amendment would promote cooperation between the United States and Israel by authorizing research, development, and test activities among the two nations in order to better detect and destroy these tunnels. In doing so, both countries would improve security and be better equipped to handle future threats. In the United States, drug and human trafficking groups have built tunnels under the southern border for illegal activity, which poses a threat to homeland security.

Senator Peters has been a strong supporter of the State of Israel in Congress. He visited Israel in 2010, where he saw firsthand the strategic cooperation and counterterrorism efforts that take place between the United States and Israel. Peters also led a bipartisan coalition as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives reaffirming Israel’s right to self-defense.

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