RELEASE: Gottheimer Leads Bipartisan Congressional Delegation to Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Israel

Above: Gottheimer visits with service members in Qatar during a bipartisan congressional delegation to the Middle East.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) returned from a bipartisan congressional delegation to Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Israel. Gottheimer met with key partners and U.S. service members to reinforce America’s critical partnerships in the Middle East and advance regional security and stability.

During a time of heightened regional tensions and complex security challenges, the bipartisan delegation met with senior government officials, military leaders, and U.S. personnel on the ground to assess shared threats, strengthen cooperation, and reaffirm the United States’ commitment to its allies and partners. Specifically, he discussed ongoing Iranian aggression and protests in the country.  Gottheimer also discussed the political and security situation in Syria, including counterterrorism efforts and the protection of minority groups. Another key item addressed in each location was ongoing efforts to combat Houthi aggression in Yemen, who continue to destabilize the country, pose a threat to key American allies, and seek to choke Red Sea shipping routes, raising prices for American families.

“As global instability continues to grow, it’s critical that Congress remains directly engaged with our allies and partners in the Middle East to fight terror and support stability in the region,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. “This bipartisan delegation focused on strengthening our national security, supporting our troops, fighting terror, and ensuring America continues to lead with strength.”

In Bahrain, Gottheimer met with His Majesty the King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa to discuss regional stability, security cooperation, and the importance of the U.S.-Bahrain partnership.

In Qatar, Gottheimer visited Al Udeid Air Base, where he met with U.S. service members stationed at one of America’s critical military installations in the region and received briefings on ongoing operations, including efforts to counter Iranian aggression.

While in Saudi Arabia, Gottheimer met with key partners to discuss regional developments and shared security priorities including combatting Iranian proxy activity throughout the region. 

While in Israel, Gottheimer met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the ongoing implementation of the October 2025 ceasefire in Gaza, countering Iranian aggression, expanding the Abraham Accords, and furthering U.S.-Israel cooperation. He also conducted a discussion with Erez Askal, the Director of Israel’s National AI Directorate, focused on emerging technologies and their implications for security and defense cooperation. 

Additionally, he visited the U.S.-led Civil Military Coordination Center (CMCC) in southern Israel which oversees the ceasefire in Gaza to meet with U.S. military leadership about the status of the ceasefire, humanitarian aid deliveries, and efforts to disarm Hamas. 

During meetings in Israel, he stressed the need for Hamas to be removed from power and for a transition government to be put in place as agreed to in the ceasefire. Gottheimer also discussed the situation in Lebanon including Hezbollah’s lack of progress disarming, efforts by the group to rearm, and the threat they continue to pose to Lebanon’s stability and the security of Israel’s northern border.  

Throughout the trip, the bipartisan delegation engaged in discussions on counterterrorism, energy security, emerging technologies, humanitarian challenges, and pathways to long-term peace. Members also met with U.S. diplomatic leadership in each country to assess ongoing efforts and identify areas where Congress can continue to provide support through oversight and investment.

Below: Gottheimer visits with New Jersey service members stationed overseas.

Below: Gottheimer meets with American service members during a bipartisan congressional delegation to the Middle East.

Below: Gottheimer meets with Prime Minister Netanyahu.

Below: Gottheimer meets with HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa

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