HI HR125

Commends the United States and Israel for their commitment to democracy, human rights, and strengthening their economic and strategic partnership.

Recognizes the 1985 United States-Israel Free Trade Agreement as the first bilateral trade agreement for the U.S. and second for Israel, which has resulted in nearly a ten-fold increase in bilateral trade since its inception.

Notes that in 2009, U.S. exports to Israel totaled $9.3 billion and imports from Israel were $18.3 billion, with direct investment between the two nations from 2000-2009 totaling $77 billion from the U.S. to Israel and $51.3 billion from Israel to the U.S.

Highlights Israel's contributions to regional stability through its participation in NATO's Mediterranean Dialogue and recognizes the strong cultural, economic, and strategic bonds between Israel and Hawaii.

Encourages the Hawaii Governor to undertake a trade mission to Israel to explore economic cooperation opportunities and directs transmission of the resolution to federal officials and international leaders.