Choosing Indiana Governor Mike Pence as his running mate has sent a strong message on his commitment to a strong U.S.-Israel relationship, Congressman Trent Franks (R-AZ) said on Thursday.

“It occurs to me that his appointment of Mike Pence should be seen as a tremendous statement on Israel,” Franks said during a panel on the Middle East challenges and opportunities for the next administration hosted by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) on the sidelines of the Republican National Coalition in Cleveland.

Franks said that while he’s not sure that “Trump has got this all figured out,” by having people who are “deeply committed” to Israel and who understand the Middle East around him, the Republican presidential nominee will be able to foster deeper U.S.-Israeli cooperation.

During his acceptance speech on Wednesday, Pence declared: “And if the world knows nothing else, it will know this: America stands with Israel.”

Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), also speaking at the event, maintained that despite the “neutral” comments, Trump “is very pro-Israel, believe me.”