(JNS) Twelve congressional Democrats, led by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), met on Monday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel.

The purpose of the trip, according to a release from Jeffries, was to address “Israel’s unique challenges within the region and discuss our efforts to maintain and strengthen the special relationship between our nations.” The group also planned to commemorate Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s 75th anniversary, and to recognize Yom Hazikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day.

On the Israeli side, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Thomas Nides, Netanyahu’s diplomatic adviser Ophir Falk and National Security Council Deputy Director for Foreign Policy Avivit Bar-Ilan met with the 12 members of Congress, according to Israel’s Government Press Office.

Netanyahu thanked Jeffries and the other legislators, emphasizing “the importance of the relationship between Israel and the United States,” per the Israeli press office.He also discussed with them “the need to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, the Abraham Accords and the opportunities for expanding the circle of peace with additional countries.”