AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush has made a 3-day visit to Israel, his first overseas trip since taking elected office last year.
Bush met last week with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Spokesman J.R. Hernandez says Bush “expressed his strong support for Israel” while thanking Netanyahu “for all he is doing to fight terrorism.”
The pair discussed possible Texas-Israel partnerships on issues including technology and desalinization. Bush also visited an Israeli desalination plant.
Bush met with the Israeli defense ministry’s head of rehabilitation. The land commissioner coordinates Texas’ veterans’ outreach efforts.
Hernandez said the trip was paid for by Israel’s foreign affairs ministry, the Republican Jewish Coalition and Bush campaign funds.
Bush’s uncle and grandfather are former presidents. His father, Jeb, ran unsuccessfully for the White House this year.