Jerusalem, Israel – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders recently met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem to discuss the unbreakable bond between Arkansas and Israel, focusing on fostering stronger ties and increasing collaboration in various sectors. The meeting, which took place amidst ongoing efforts to deepen Arkansas’ relationship with Israel, touched on several important initiatives, with Sanders emphasizing her administration’s commitment to supporting Israel.
During the meeting, Sanders underscored Arkansas’ unwavering dedication to Israel, noting the state’s investment in Israeli bonds as a key component of their mutual cooperation. Specifically, Arkansas has recently committed to investing up to $50 million of state retirement funds into Israeli bonds, in addition to the $55 million that is already held by the Arkansas Treasury. These investments are not just financial but a strong statement of solidarity between the two regions.
Moreover, the Governor highlighted Arkansas’ contribution to Israel’s defense capabilities. As part of a growing partnership, components of Israel’s Iron Dome, a crucial defense system designed to intercept and destroy short-range rockets and artillery shells, are produced in Arkansas. Sanders expressed a keen interest in expanding this collaboration, noting the potential to enhance both Arkansas’ economy and Israel’s national security through continued technological cooperation. This move aligns with the broader goal of strengthening Israel’s defense while simultaneously benefiting Arkansas’ growing defense industry.
A noteworthy aspect of the meeting was Sanders’ invitation to Prime Minister Netanyahu to visit Arkansas. This gesture was met with interest from the Prime Minister, who indicated his willingness to explore the potential for furthering the relationship through an official visit. Such a visit would be an opportunity to solidify partnerships and showcase Arkansas as a key player in the international defense and agritech sectors.
The Governor’s commitment to bolstering ties between Arkansas and Israel also extends beyond governmental discussions. Sanders has engaged with Israeli companies in various industries, including defense and agritech, aiming to attract them to expand their operations in Arkansas. One of the key companies involved in this initiative is Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, an Israeli defense company that already has a significant and expanding presence in Arkansas. This partnership is indicative of the growing economic and technological collaboration between the two regions.
Governor Sanders has also made it a point to participate in multiple business development roundtables with Israeli companies, underscoring why Arkansas is an ideal location for international businesses to expand. In addition to the business meetings, the Governor’s trip included visits to cultural sites and engagements with senior Israeli government officials. Her travels were accompanied by U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, with whom she toured Samaria, further emphasizing the importance of strengthening U.S.-Israel relations at multiple levels.
Throughout her time in Israel, Sanders was joined by her father, Mike Huckabee, the U.S. Ambassador to Israel. Together, they traveled across the country, meeting with leaders and fostering diplomatic ties. This connection between the Huckabee family and Israel is long-standing and deep, with both Governor Sanders and her father playing pivotal roles in strengthening Arkansas’ relationship with the Jewish state.
The meeting between Governor Sanders and Prime Minister Netanyahu is just one of many steps Arkansas is taking to deepen its ties with Israel. With ongoing investments, expanded defense partnerships, and increased collaboration in business and technology, the two regions are poised to grow closer in the coming years. Governor Sanders’ leadership and her commitment to fostering these international relationships signal a new chapter in Arkansas’ global engagement.
In his remarks, Sanders’ spokesman Sam Dubke reiterated the importance of the state’s efforts, stating, “Governor Sanders met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today to discuss Arkansas’ unbreakable bond with Israel and commitment to standing with the Israeli people to defeat common enemies and defend shared values.” The strong tone of solidarity underscored by Sanders’ actions and words illustrates the depth of the relationship between Arkansas and Israel, one that is poised to continue flourishing in the years ahead.
