JERUSALEM — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered a lighthearted remark while addressing a bipartisan U.S. Congressional delegation visiting Israel, highlighting the nation’s role in global technology.

“You all have cell phones, right? That’s a piece of Israel you’re holding in your hand,” Netanyahu quipped.

The prime minister’s comment underscored Israel’s reputation as a hub of innovation, particularly in the fields of telecommunications, cybersecurity, and defense technology. Israeli leaders often point to the country’s contributions to global tech as evidence of its strategic value to allies like the United States.

The visit by U.S. lawmakers comes amid ongoing regional tensions, with discussions expected to focus on security cooperation, defense technology, and diplomatic priorities between Washington and Jerusalem.