U.S. Senator Jim Risch, a Republican from Idaho and the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, met with His Majesty King Abdullah of Jordan at the U.S. Capitol. Following their meeting, Senator Risch issued a statement highlighting the significance of Jordan’s dedication to peace and expressing appreciation for discussions on mutual interests.
Senator Risch emphasized the importance of not reverting to previous norms in the Middle East. He stated, “It’s clear we must never return to business as usual in the Middle East.” He pointed out the need for regional consensus on governance and security following Hamas’s decline, saying, “It’s time for the region to gain consensus on what comes after Hamas – who will provide security, who will govern, and who will provide essential services.”
Risch also noted Israel’s military actions against Hezbollah, Hamas, and Iran as opportunities to reduce Iran’s influence in the region. He expressed his anticipation for continued collaboration with King Abdullah to address these challenges in future discussions.
