Israel , a global leader in water conservation , security , and technology , shares its expertise and growing sector opportunities with the United States . Last year , we also held talks with regional Texas water experts , exploring how the U . S . Southern region could partner with and utilize Israel ’ s well-known expertise in water technologies to advance water conservation here . Israel ’ s biggest water conference , WATEC , had several Texas attendees .
Katia : What are some big picture issues facing Israel today ?
Ambassador Levon : We face clear challenges from Iran ’ s nuclear program . Iran seeks to annihilate Israel and it has said so openly . With its latest ballistic missiles tests , Iran is trying to push the boundaries with extraordinary defiance . We must ensure that Iran ’ s aggression does not continue .
Another issue that we all face is terrorism . The fight against terror is a global struggle . We started 2017 with another deadly attack in Israel , which was very similar to the deadly attacks in Berlin and Nice – a terrorist mercilessly drove a truck into a crowd . Four Israeli officers , three women , and one man were forever lost . The Palestinian terror derives its inspiration from ISIS and they are no different from one another . The Palestinians , unfortunately , prefer to enact upon us actual as well as diplomatic terror . All because they do not want to negotiate with us around the table . The reason is that they want to avoid confronting the real cause of the conflict – the persistent Palestinian refusal to accept the existence of a Jewish state in any borders . How can you make peace with someone who rejects your very existence ?
Nevertheless , our greatest desire is for peace and this is our hope . Israel ’ s hand has been extended in peace to its neighbors from its very first day . We made peace with Egypt and Jordan through direct negotiations and that is also the only way we can make peace with the Palestinians . Israel will never give up on the quest for peace with all of our neighbors .
Katia : How is the Israeli business community uniquely positioning itself to help Americans who are interested in doing business in Israel ?
Ambassador Levon : Israel is a thriving democracy with a vibrant market economy . Israel maintains a strong economy with a GDP in the top 25 of all countries . It has a lot to offer in terms of startups , innovation , and entrepreneurship . Israeli scientists , universities , and companies are working to benefit the global health system .
When Governor Abbott visited Israel last year , he led a business development mission that was focusing on increasing foreign direct investment in Texas and in Israel . During this trip , the Governor toured businesses , held meetings with public officials and business executives in both countries , and participated at a conference of the America-Israel Chamber of Commerce . We look forward to further building the ties with our business partners in the Southwest United States and to strengthening our economic relationship .
Overall , Israel has set a collective goal of becoming a regional hub for energy , technology , and innovation . Israel invites American companies to join us on this journey .
Katia : Is there anything we have not discussed that you would like to mention ?
Ambassador Levon : I would like to add that one of the most important factors that help Israel in reaching out to the American people is the vibrant American Jewish community . They are our brothers and friends and help us tremendously in presenting Israel in the United States . There are Jewish communities in all six states within our region ; some are small in numbers , but capable and big in heart . They support us in so many ways and for that we are wholeheartedly thankful .
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