6 Mass. lawmakers take free trip to Israel amid ground offensive in Gaza

Six Massachusetts lawmakers participated in a U. S. delegation to Israel in September amid the country's ground offensive in Gaza, with the trip costing about $6,500 per legislator. This delegation attended the “50 States One Israel” conference, marking the largest assembly of American lawmakers in Israel, as reported by Prime Minister Netanyahu's office. Participants included three Democrats and three Republicans, with the intent to gain firsthand insights into the Israeli situation.

Senator Peter Durant highlighted the value of direct experience in understanding the complexities of the conflict. While many lawmakers described the trip as impactful, Senator Rausch noted her disappointment regarding limited engagement opportunities with key Israeli officials. The itinerary featured significant sites, including the Old City of Jerusalem and meetings with Israeli leaders. The trip comes as international criticism of Israel grows, with several nations recognizing a Palestinian state shortly after the lawmakers' visit. Lawmakers expressed a desire for constructive discourse and cooperation across party lines, despite some concerns about the trip's limitations.