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11/22/2024 01:14:24 am

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N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo To Visit Israel To Show Solidarity

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo

(Photo : Reuters)

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) will fly to Israel on Tuesday together with a delegation of state lawmakers to demonstrate their solidarity with Israelis, according to people familiar with the matter.

The planned state visit is Cuomo's first international trip since assuming office back in 2011. Included in the trip are Sheldon Silver, a member of the New York State Assembly, and Senate majority Coalition co-leaders Dean Skelos (R-NY) and Jeffrey D. Klein (D-NY). All are set to fly on Tuesday via a commercial to Tel Aviv.

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According to a Wall Street Journal source, Cuomo and his delegation will meet up with various Israeli government officials and civilians who were affected by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

The New York governor's trip was originally business-focused, but the solidarity agenda was later added.

However, it remains unclear if the governor will with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Last month, it was reported that Netanyahu invited Cuomo to visit Israel.

Last July, Cuomo and his office planned to send the governor to visit Puerto Rico and Israel to attract business. The state is promoting its Global NY, an economic development program designed to stir more international investments in New York.

In the weeks that followed when the conflict in Israel took place, Cuomo unveiled the intent of his trip, which is to show political support to Israel.

The governor said last month that the Israel-Hamas conflict is a complicated issue that has caused pain for both sides.

However, the governor has expressed his stance that leans toward Israel's side.

"[The U.S.] has a relationship with Israel that is very important, and New Yorkers do and personally I do," Cuomo said. "I've been to Israel before, I've been to Israel during times of terrorists attacks before, as a sign of solidarity."

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