Morton A Klein, national president of the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA), released the following statement:
The Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) congratulates CIA Director and former Congressman (R-KS) Mike Pompeo on his nomination to become Secretary of State. We also congratulate President Trump for his superb choice of this outstanding patriot Director Pompeo.
Director Pompeo is a strong friend of America’s greatest ally Israel, and well understands the continuing Arab/Islamic war against Israel.
Director Pompeo demonstrated his mettle and dedication to transparency and the safety of the American public during his heroic efforts to stop and obtain information regarding the catastrophic Iran deal. In July 2015, then-Congressman Pompeo traveled to Vienna with Senator Tom Cotton to meet with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) officials. During those meetings, Cong. Pompeo and Senator Cotton uncovered the secret IAEA-Iran side deals, agreed to by the Obama administration, which the Obama administration failed to disclose for public scrutiny and failed to submit to Congress for its legislatively mandated review of the Iran deal. Cong. Pompeo and Senator Cotton then conveyed this vital information to Congress and the American public. (“Pres. Obama Must Disclose Iran Deal Secret Annexes,” ZOA, July 23, 2015.)
Following his CIA appointment, Pompeo stated that he looked forward to rolling back this disastrous deal with the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism. (“Trump’s CIA Pick Pompeo Anticipates ‘Rolling Back’ the ‘Disastrous’ Iran Deal,” Times of Israel, Nov. 18, 2016.)
In light of Iran’s continuing dangerous aggression, and violations of the Iran deal, Director Pompeo is an ideal choice for continuing such efforts at the helm of the U.S. State Department.
Director Pompeo has a sterling background. He graduated first in his class from the United States Military Academy at West Point, served as a U.S. Army officer patrolling the Iron Curtain and in the Gulf War. He graduated from Harvard Law School, where he was an editor of the Harvard Law Review, and worked at one of the nation’s top law firms, and had a business career, prior to his election to Congress. In Congress, he served on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and House Committee on Energy and Commerce,
Director Pompeo also understands the importance of the U.S.-Israel alliance in stopping Iranian aggression, and the fact that Palestinian-Arab terror prevents peace. In November 2015, Pompeo visited Israel and stated that “Prime Minister Netanyahu is a true partner of the American people“; “Netanyahu’s efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons are incredibly admirable and deeply appreciated“; “In the fight against terrorism, cooperation between Israel and the United States has never been more important”; and “We must stand with our ally Israel and put a stop to terrorism. Ongoing attacks by the Palestinians serve only to distance the prospect of peace.”
Director Pompeo also strongly opposes Russian aggression. This stance is increasingly important in light of Russia’s positions in Syria.
President Trump’s nomination of Mike Pompeo is a superb choice for carrying out the president’s foreign policy, assuring the safety of the American people, and continuing to strengthen US-Israel relations.