Dan Webster: 'I Stand With Israel'

U.S. Rep. Dan Webster, R-Fla., rallied his supporters behind Israel on Tuesday, praising
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus address to Congress and warning about the dangers of a nuclear Iran.

Israel is one of the United States greatest allies and is a vital stronghold for democracy in the Middle East, Webster emailed supporters on Tuesday night. I was disappointed that several of my Democratic colleagues chose to boycott this speech, as I believe the possibility of a nuclear Iran is a matter of life and death. With the next deadline in the Iran negotiations only weeks away, it was important for Congress and the American people to hear directly from the Israeli leader about his nations concerns over its security. I share the prime ministers strong concern over the prospect of a nuclear-armed Iran and the grave threat it would pose to the security of Israel, our nation, and our allies around the world.

Unfortunately, President Obama derided Prime Minister Netanyahus call for solidarity against a nuclear Iran as destructive. I take a different view, Webster added. I see Iran for what it is: a persistent human rights abuser who has declared their desire to wipe Israel off the face of the earth. Thats not a negotiating partner. Thats an enemy deserving of nothing more than our constant vigilance.

I stand with Israel, Webster continued. Regrettably there are those in Congress and those who seek to join its ranks that do not. Those voices are not the majority now and cannot become the majority ever.

Allowing Iran to have a nuclear weapon would translate into unthinkable tragedy for Israel and the United States, Webster concluded. We must work to protect our allies.