Gottheimer returns from Middle East trip focused on security, Iran and Gaza ceasefire
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey has returned from a bipartisan congressional delegation to the Middle East, where he met with regional leaders and U.S. service members amid heightened tensions and ongoing security challenges.
Gottheimer, a Democrat who represents New Jersey’s 5th District and serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, traveled to Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Israel. The delegation met with senior government officials, military leaders and U.S. personnel to assess shared threats, strengthen cooperation and reaffirm U.S. commitments to allies and partners.
“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,” Gottheimer said. “This bipartisan delegation focused on strengthening our national security, supporting our troops, fighting terror, and ensuring America continues to lead with strength.”
Throughout the trip, Gottheimer discussed ongoing Iranian aggression, protests inside Iran and the broader regional impact of Tehran’s activities. He also addressed the political and security situation in Syria, including counterterrorism efforts and the protection of minority groups.
Another recurring topic was Houthi aggression in Yemen, which delegation members said continues to destabilize the country, threaten U.S. allies and disrupt Red Sea shipping routes, contributing to higher prices for American consumers.
In Bahrain, Gottheimer met with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa to discuss regional stability, security cooperation and the U.S.-Bahrain partnership. In Qatar, he visited Al Udeid Air Base, meeting with U.S. service members and receiving briefings on ongoing operations, including efforts to counter Iranian aggression.
While in Saudi Arabia, Gottheimer met with regional partners to discuss shared security priorities, including efforts to combat Iranian proxy activity across the Middle East.
In Israel, Gottheimer met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the implementation of the October 2025 ceasefire in Gaza, countering Iranian aggression, expanding the Abraham Accords and strengthening U.S.-Israel cooperation. He also held discussions with Erez Askal, director of Israel’s National AI Directorate, on emerging technologies and their implications for security and defense.
Gottheimer visited the U.S.-led Civil Military Coordination Center in southern Israel, which oversees the Gaza ceasefire, to meet with U.S. military leadership about humanitarian aid deliveries, efforts to disarm Hamas and the status of the ceasefire. During those meetings, he emphasized the need for Hamas to be removed from power and for a transition government to be established as outlined in the ceasefire agreement.
He also discussed the situation in Lebanon, citing Hezbollah’s failure to disarm, efforts by the group to rearm and the continuing threat it poses to Lebanon’s stability and Israel’s northern border.
Across all stops, delegation members engaged in discussions on counterterrorism, energy security, emerging technologies, humanitarian challenges and pathways toward long-term peace. They also met with U.S. diplomatic leaders in each country to evaluate ongoing efforts and identify areas where Congress can provide oversight and investment.
