Ryan meets with Netanyahu during Mideast tour

Traveling as part of a congressional delegation in the Middle East this week, U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Ryan of Howland, D-13th, visited military sites in Israel to get an update on the country’s missile defense systems and joint missile defense efforts with the United States. The group also met with U.S. Ambassador to Israel Daniel Shapiro and members of the Israeli Defense Forces.

“I was honored to have the opportunity to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss and reaffirm the important strategic relationship between our two nations,” Ryan said.

“I remain committed to using my position on the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee to strengthen partnerships with our allies around the globe, including our most steadfast ally in the Middle East – Israel. Touring the Iron Dome battery further emphasized the importance of this relationship, the need for increased collaboration moving forward, and the value of close friends in the region.”