TEL AVIV, Israel — Gov. Greg Abbott is in Israel Thursday.
According to the governor's office, Abbott traveled to "reaffirm Texas’ enduring and unwavering support of the State of Israel, the Israeli people, and Israel’s right to self-defense amid acts of war by the brutal terrorist organization Hamas." This is Abbott’s third trip to Israel since he was elected governor of Texas in 2015.
"There is a deep, enduring bond between Texas and Israel, with the blessings of freedom and burdens of vigilance embedded in the histories of both our people," Abbott said in a statement. "Unfortunately, never has freedom in Israel been more threatened than it is right now – and the people of Israel are vigorously fighting to defend it. I look forward to gaining a deeper understanding of this horrific war and how we can continue to help Israel safeguard their freedom during this trip. Texas stands ready to offer our complete and total support to Israel in their fight against brutal terrorist organizations like Hamas."
While abroad, Abbott will meet with Israeli officials and visit with impacted families at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center – Ichilov.
Abbott is joined on the trip by Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt. The trip was coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel and the Consulate General of Israel to the Southwest, according to Abbott's office.