Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Travels to Israel to ‘Reaffirm’ Support for the Middle Eastern Nation

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott delivers remarks during a solidarity gathering for Israel at the Dell Jewish Community Campus in Austin, Texas, on Oct. 9, 2023. Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott traveled overnight, arriving on Thursday in Israel to ”reaffirm” his state’s support for the Middle Eastern nation and its people.

Gov. Abbott, along with Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. The trip marked the third time the Texas governor has traveled to Israel since taking office in 2015.

“There is a deep, enduring bond between Texas and Israel, with the blessings of freedom and burdens of vigilance embedded in the histories of both our people,” Gov. Abbott said in a statement.

More than 1,400 Israelis, including children, have been killed and more than 4,500 injured since the brutal terrorist group Hamas made its surprise attack on a music festival on Oct. 7.

“Unfortunately, never has freedom in Israel been more threatened than it is right now—and the people of Israel are vigorously fighting to defend it. I look forward to gaining a deeper understanding of this horrific war and how we can continue to help Israel safeguard their freedom during this trip. Texas stands ready to offer our complete and total support to Israel in their fight against brutal terrorist organizations like Hamas.”

The Israel Consulate’s office in Houston, Texas, and the two governors’ offices worked together to coordinate the trip, according to Humberto Cruz, the consulate’s academic affairs coordinator. Mr. Cruz told The Oklahoman that the two Republican governors would be in Israel for about 12 hours.

“An honor to meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu in Jerusalem today. I’m in Israel to reaffirm Texas’ unwavering support as the Israeli people defend their nation against Hamas’ heinous acts of war,” Gov. Abbott wrote on X.

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (left), Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (middle), and Israeli Prime Minister (right) Benjamin Netanyahu met in Jerusalem, on Nov. 2, 2023. Courtesy Office of Gov. Greg Abbott

“I’m in Israel with Governor Abbott to show our support and discuss partnership with the Jewish people as they rebuild. Prime Minister Netanyahu, Oklahomans are with you,” Gov. Stitt wrote on X.

During the solidarity mission, the governors met with other Israeli officials as well as victims and families impacted by the war.

“Today, I visited with families displaced by Hamas’ acts of war in Jerusalem. Despite the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, the resilience of the Israeli people shines through. Texas is proud to stand with them,” Gov. Abbott wrote on X.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott met with victims and families impacted by the Israel-Hamas war during his trip to Israel, on Nov. 2, 2023. Courtesy Office of Gov. Greg Abbott

Actions Taken in Texas

Gov. Abbott has taken several actions to increase security and combat antisemitism across the state following the terrorist attack on innocent civilians in Israel.

For nearly a week after the initial attack, the governor ordered all Texas flags to be lowered to half-staff in honor of the lives lost.

On Oct. 9, Gov. Abbott issued an executive order directing all state agencies not to buy any goods produced or exported from the Gaza Strip and from any organization with ties to Hamas. (pdf) He also allocated $4 million in additional funding from the Public Safety Office to increase the security at Jewish organizations, including synagogues and schools across the state.

“The State of Texas condemns these heinous acts of violence against Israel and its people by ruthless terrorists, and we stand ready to offer our complete support to the Israeli and Jewish communities,” Gov. Abbott said in a statement.