While Israeli leaders have voiced their displeasure about the Iran nuclear deal amidst already strained relations with the U.S., some have wondered if that dynamic has had any impact on Virginia's business relationship with Israel.
Virginia-Israel Advisory Board Executive Director Ralph Robbins says here, officials don't have to get too much into politics, and economic development transcends any politics at the higher levels.
"And we, Virginia, have a very aggressive relationship with Israel. We're working on several significant projects between the State of Israel and Virginia that would bring jobs to Virginia."
Robbins says he can’t discuss what those are because he doesn't want competing states to get wind of them. But he admits it still would be tough for other states to pull Virginia away from certain deals with Israel.
"We go there and when we explain to them that we have more federal financing or federal contracting here in this state than any other state, including California, they are amazed. When we explain to them that we have a huge defense infrastructure here, they're amazed."
Robbins says Governor McAuliffe still has plans to visit Israel in the near future, when he will not only secure more deals but announce some as well. There's even discussion about a major development between Sabra Dipping Company and Virginia Tech pertaining to chickpea farming.