In a resounding show of support for the U.S.-Israel relationship, 110 House members and 78 senators signed letters to President Obama expressing support for his trip to the Jewish state and highlighting the importance of the two nations' major strategic partnership.

The letters call on the president to reiterate several core principles that underlie the alliance, including achieving peace with the Palestinians through direct negotiations rather than unilateral steps and the importance of Israel's inherent right to defend itself.

The House letter was spearheaded by the co-chairs of the House Republican Israel Caucus, Reps. Peter Roskam (R-IL), Leonard Lance (R-NJ), and Doug Lamborn (R-CO), and by the co-chairs of the House Democratic Israel Working Group, Reps. Henry Waxman (D-CA), Gene Green (D-TX), Linda Sanchez (D-CA), and Alcee Hastings (D-FL).

The Senate letter was spearheaded by Sens. Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Susan Collins (R-ME).