Gov. Greg Abbott had a busy trip to Israel on Thursday, where he met with multiple Israeli officials to discuss Texas’ unwavering support for the country amidst the ongoing conflict with Hamas.
Abbott arrived in Israel on November 2 alongside Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt as the two planned to visit an Israeli medical center and meet with multiple officials to gain firsthand knowledge of the situation, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
The first stop for the two governors was in Jerusalem to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli officials.
While in Jerusalem, Abbott “highlighted the deep bond shared between the people of Israel and Texas, emphasizing that Texas’ strong relationship and support for freedom in Israel has never been more important than it is today,” per a news release sent to The Dallas Express.
The second stop was at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel, where the governors met with Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, who said Israel’s main goal was simply to bring home the more than 200 hostages taken by Hamas.
A survivor who was taken hostage by Hamas from the Supernova Sukkot Gathering music festival spoke with the governors and gave them a firsthand account of the experience.
Abbott and Stitt then had lunch with former Israel Defense Forces chief of general staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kohavi, who spoke about the bravery and sacrifices the Israeli people have made during the conflict.
Kohavi “emphasized that Hamas and Hezbollah are no longer just terrorist organizations — but full-fledged terrorist militaries,” according to the release.
Following lunch with Kohavi, the governors met with Israel President Isaac Herzog to evaluate the conflict and discuss future ways to support the nation.
“Herzog outlined the extreme threat posed by the regional coalition of nations surrounding Israel, detailing how this coalition of hate toward the State of Israel also threatens American national security,” the release read.
“Governor Abbott pledged to continue spreading this message to Texans and Americans back home and increase awareness and understanding of the realities behind the Israel-Hamas war.”
After meeting with Herzog, the two governors traveled to a Jerusalem hotel to meet with displaced Israeli citizens.
During their meeting with Abbott and Stitt, individuals and families spoke about their experiences throughout the conflict. They told stories of heroism, generosity, and selflessness among the Israeli people, stating they feel the country is more united than ever.
Finally, Abbott and Stitt traveled to the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center – Ichilov Hospital to speak with more victims and survivors about the atrocities they witnessed during the attacks.Â
While overseas, Abbott reiterated that “Texas has always, and will always, support Israel and the Israeli people.”Â
“During this trip, I saw firsthand the resilient spirit of the Israeli people. The strength and hope displayed as I met with Prime Minister Netanyahu, President Herzog, survivors of the October 7 attack, and families of kidnapped Israelis was truly inspiring,” said the governor in the press release.
“The resolve of Israel’s leaders and the bravery of its people have never wavered in the face of evil, and the people of Israel are once again uniting to vigorously fight to defend their freedom. Texas will continue to help support Israel safeguard their freedom against brutal terrorist organizations like Hamas.”
