Illinois State Treasurer announces additional $10 million investment in Israel

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced Thursday his office will invest an additional $10 million in Israel in response to the attack by the Hamas terrorist organization.

"After being absolutely sickened by the ongoing atrocities, we reached out to our Israeli partners and asked what we can do to help," Frerichs said. "This investment is a direct result of those conversations."

"This investment shows our strong commitment to Israel and its people," he continued. "The challenges in the region are great. Israel is now at war. This is our way to show, with action and deeds as well as words, that we want to do what we can in this time of need."

Frerichs' office has invested in Israel Bonds since 2015. Israel Bonds has never defaulted in more than 70 years as an investment.

Illinois' investment in the United States' strategic partner has now exceeded $100 million.

"Terrorism must be confronted in all of its evil ways," Frerichs said. "Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people. It does not seek peaceful coexistence or democratic self-determination. Hamas seeks the annihilation of the State of Israel and the slaughter of Jewish civilians while using Palestinian civilians as human shields."