A part of his ongoing trade mission in Israel, today Governor Rick Scott recognized the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Florida State University and Tel Aviv University. This agreement will support student and staff exchange programs, research collaboration and academic seminar opportunities. To view the agreement, click HERE.
Governor Scott said, “Florida’s students are the leaders of tomorrow and these important partnerships are another way that we can provide them with every opportunity to learn and succeed. I applaud Florida State University and Tel Aviv University for working together to support our students by providing more opportunities for research and collaboration.”
Governor Scott is currently leading a delegation of nearly 70 Florida business and education leaders on a trade mission in Israel to continue to build on Florida and Israel’s strong relationship. Florida’s economic development and trading partnership with Israel exceeds $286 million a year.
Israel
Mast-Gottheimer US-Israel Joint Missile Defense Act Passes House in NDAA
Bipartisan Measure will Further Develop Arrow 3 Missile Defense System
Congressmen Brian Mast (FL-18) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5)’s bipartisan U.S.-Israel Joint Missile Defense Act to further develop the Arrow 3 missile defense system today passed the House of Representatives as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. Their bill to authorize the Secretary of Defense to conduct a test of the exoatmospheric anti-ballistic missile defense program was incorporated into the broader defense bill and passed the House on a bipartisan basis.
“I chose to volunteer alongside the Israeli Defense Forces because there is undoubtedly a benefit in our two countries working together to spread the values of freedom and democracy,” Rep. Mast said. “Collaborating on security through missile defense is critical to stability not just in the Middle East, but also throughout the world. Getting our bipartisan bill passed as part of the National Defense Authorization Act is a big win in the fight against terror.”
“We must do everything possible to stop terrorist groups like Hezbollah and Hamas,” Rep. Gottheimer said. “The bipartisan bill passed today will further key missile defense systems to protect Israel, our key ally in the region and buttress America’s fight against terror in the Middle East.”
The grave threat of missile attacks on Israel has been growing in both capacity and strength. Last year, Iran successfully launched two “Qadr II” ballistic missiles at a target in southeastern Iran approximately 870 miles away, in violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231. The missiles were inscribed with the slogan, “Israel should be wiped off the Earth.” Hezbollah, designated by the Department of State as a terrorist organization, has an arsenal of approximately 120,000 to 150,000 rockets aimed at Israel.
Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Mast followed in his father’s footsteps by serving in the U.S. Army for more than 12 years. Following his service, Rep. Mast volunteered to serve alongside the Israel Defense Forces to show support for the freedom Israel represents throughout the Middle East and the world.
Mast, Gottheimer Announce Bipartisan U.S. – Israel Joint Missile Defense Act
Joint Israeli-American Arrow Technology Thwarts
Long-Range Missile Attacks, Key Defense Against Terror
Congressmen Brian Mast (FL-18) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) today announced the bipartisan U.S.-Israel Joint Missile Defense Act to further develop the Arrow 3 system to help advance America’s interests in the volatile region and protect our vital, democratic ally. The Act will authorize the Secretary of Defense to conduct a test in the U.S. in 2018 of the exoatmospheric anti-ballistic missile defense program.
“Following my time in the Army, I chose to volunteer alongside the Israeli Defense Forces because our countries share the common ideals of freedom, democracy and mutual respect for all people,” Rep. Mast said. “There is undoubtedly a mutual benefit to the security of our nations in collaborating on missile defense. This bipartisan legislation would expedite the development of the Arrow 3 long-range missile defense system, which is absolutely critical to Israel’s defense and stability in the Middle East.”
“As the threat of terror explodes in the unstable Middle East, it’s critical that we defend our vital ally, Israel, and strengthen our military partnership. That’s why I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill to advance the Arrow 3 long-range missile defense system — another critical step toward protecting Israel and the region from the threat of a nuclear-armed Iran and terrorist organizations like Hezbollah and Hamas.” Rep. Gottheimer said. “With a fully-operational Arrow 3 system, Israel will maintain its qualitative military edge by preventing long-range missiles from striking Israeli targets.”
The grave threat of missile attacks on Israel has been growing in both capacity and strength. Last year, Iran successfully launched two “Qadr II” ballistic missiles at a target in southeastern Iran approximately 870 miles away, in violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231. The missiles were inscribed with the slogan, “Israel should be wiped off the Earth.” Hezbollah, designated by the Department of State as a terrorist organization, has an arsenal of approximately 120,000 to 150,000 rockets aimed at Israel.
Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Mast followed in his father’s footsteps by serving in the U.S. Army for more than 12 years. Following his service, Rep. Mast volunteered to serve alongside the Israel Defense Forces to show support for the freedom Israel represents throughout the Middle East and the world.
The text of the U.S.-Israel Joint Missile Defense Act can be found HERE.
