Steven Holt: “Many have expressed deep concern about the security situation in the Middle East. There are many hopeful signs from the…”

“Many have expressed deep concern about the security situation in the Middle East. There are many hopeful signs from the so-called Arab Spring, but there are also concerns about the security of Israel and neighboring States. Several among us and among my constituents expressed concern some months ago about what would happen with a weakened border between Egypt and Israel. And, as we all know, on August 18 several groups of terrorists killed eight Israelis, wounded several more in attacks along the road leading to Eilat. This is just one example of what we need to pay attention to in the area. Will Egypt become a staging ground for more terrorist attacks against Israel? Can al Qaeda gain new safe haven in any of the countries undergoing massive political change? We hope not, I would like to think not, but it is important that we have good, solid intelligence assessments of the situation. My amendment would direct the Director of National Intelligence to submit to Congress within half a year of passage of this law an estimate on the implications of these revolutions for the security of the State of Israel and to report to Congress in a way that is accessible to all Members of Congress on the implications of the so- called Arab Spring and the changes in the countries around the area. This amendment is for obvious reasons.…”