Pence talks Israeli security with prime minister

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence told Israel's prime minister that he believes the incoming Congress will support that country's security goals.

Pence met Monday with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem as part of the official activities of the GOP governor's nine-day trip to Israel, billed as an economic development mission mixed with a holiday vacation.

Video of Pence and Netanyahu posted online by the prime minister's office showed Pence saying he expected Congress to back Israel negotiating to "achieve defenseable borders and secure its own peace and security in the years ahead."

Netanyahu has denounced a proposed U.N. resolution calling for Israel's withdrawal from all occupied Palestinian territory within three years.

The two leaders also discussed economic issues, according to the governor's office.

“We discussed ideas on fostering shared growth between Indiana and Israel through partnership and cooperation,” Pence said in a statement after the meeting. “Our futures can be more prosperous tomorrow by working together today. Our industries are finding their stride in the innovation sectors of life sciences, technology and advanced manufacturing, while our educational institutions share bonds in thought.”

Pence's wife and three children traveled with the governor to celebrate Christmas in Jerusalem last week as he considers entering the Republican presidential race.

Also on Monday, Pence met with Israeli Minister of Economy Naftali Bennett to discuss economic development opportunities for both Indiana and Israel, in particular ways in which the two can partner in the research and development sector, according to the governor’s office.

He also participated in a wreath-laying ceremony in the Hall of Remembrance at Yad Vashem, Israel’s official memorial to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust. On departure from the memorial, Pence wrote in the Yad Vashem guestbook, “Nizkor lead,” meaning in Hebrew, “We shall remember forever.”