By: King, et al. S.C.R. No. 24 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION WHEREAS, The State of Texas and the State of Israel share a deep and enduring friendship rooted in mutual values, economic ties, and a commitment to democracy and security; and WHEREAS, Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and Israel in 1949, the bond between the two nations has grown stronger, and Texas has played a significant role in fostering economic, cultural, and strategic partnerships with Israel; and WHEREAS, Israel is a leader in technological innovation, cybersecurity, energy, agriculture, and water conservation, which are all areas that align closely with Texas' economic strengths; those shared interests help to foster collaborative opportunities for businesses, universities, and research institutions in both regions; and WHEREAS, Texas and Israel maintain a robust trade relationship, and Texas ranks among the top U.S. states for exports to Israel, contributing billions of dollars annually to the economies of both regions through trade in the technology, medical equipment, and defense industries; and WHEREAS, Texas and Israel have benefited immeasurably through their decades-long alliance, and the regions have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to promoting stability and prosperity; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby reaffirm the enduring bond between Texas and Israel and express its continued support for expanding economic, educational, and cultural ties between the two regions; and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Texas House of Representatives and Senate hereby: (a) express continuing support for the bilateral trade agreement between the United States and Israel; and (b) express support for a Texas Trade and Investment Office in Jerusalem, Israel, the eternal, undivided capital of the State of Israel, to be the center of trade and investment activities for Israel and countries that are a part of the Abraham Accords or have a signed peace treaty with Israel; and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Texas House of Representatives and Senate hereby recognize Israel for its contributions to global security, technological advancements, and humanitarian efforts, and reaffirm their commitment to deepening cooperation in areas of shared interest; and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Texas Secretary of State forward official copies of this resolution to the Governor of Texas, to the President of the United States, to the Israeli Ambassador to the United States, and to the Consul General of Israel to Texas as an expression of the sentiments of the Texas House of Representatives and Senate.