Today’s itinerary focused on the economic, safety, security, and strategic challenges currently faced by Israel. I began the day with Saul Singer, co-author of “Start-Up Nation”, discussing how Israel successfully fosters a business culture that produces remarkable innovation. This is essential to the long-term prosperity of a country that no doubt lacks in traditional natural resources.
I then headed to the Government Buildings in Jerusalem, to meet with Bogie Ya’alon. Bogie is a Knesset member, Deputy Prime Minister, and serves as the Minister of Strategic Affairs under Prime Minister Netanyahu. Over the course of the morning, Bogie laid out the official Israeli Government position on numerous issues....from Iran, to U.S.-Israel cooperation, to the threats to Israel caused by the neighboring Arab countries. This was an incredible meeting, and I look forward to seeing Bogie when he comes to Chicago later this summer.
We then left Jerusalem and drove three hours to the northernmost IDF outpost, on the Israel-Lebanon border. I had a chance to talk with the IDF soldiers, the battalion commanders, and hear their perspective on the challenges Israel faces in keeping her border with Lebanon secure.
Upon leaving the outpost, we drove to the Golan Heights. From its vantage point, looking into Syria, it is abundantly clear just how important the Golan Heights is towards Israel's security along the Syrian border.
The day ended with dinner and conversation with Kobe Marom, a retired colonel who served in the IDF for 25 years. Kobe is a security expert, with deep knowledge on Hezbollah and the Lebanese border. Joining us at dinner were seven, young IDF soldiers. It was incredible chatting with them, listening to their everyday stories, and hearing their thoughts on Israel’s long-term security.
Today crystalized the primary reason why I came to Israel this week -- to see first-hand the specific security challenges that Israel faces every day.
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