Representatives Lee Zeldin (NY-1) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) introduced in the House of Representatives a joint resolution supporting Israel’s inherent right of self-defense against Hamas and others. The bipartisan, bicameral resolution also condemns the violence and provocations caused by Hamas. Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas will introduce the companion resolution in the Senate.
Congressman Zeldin said, “Hamas is a terrorist group that has pledged to wipe Israel off of the map, uses civilians as human shields, financially rewards people for getting themselves shot and provokes and commits acts of violence. They have destabilized and ruined many aspects of life in Gaza and have left Israel with no choice but to protect its border with the use of lethal force. Israel has an inherent right of self-defense and will without hesitation act to protect innocent Israeli citizens who live near the border with Gaza. Like every other sovereign nation, Israel has the right to defend itself against a terrorist organization that refuses to recognize its very right to exist, and, as one of our nation’s greatest allies, we must stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel as they safeguard their innocent citizens against violence at the hands of Hamas. I look forward to continuing to fight for the Jewish State alongside my House colleague Rep. Gottheimer, Senator Cotton and other staunch advocates of Israel in Congress.”
“The terrorist group Hamas, which seized control of Gaza in 2007, is well known for firing rockets and digging terror tunnels into Israel, murdering and kidnapping Israelis, and using women and children as human shields, all while residents of Gaza suffer from a humanitarian crisis of its own making. It is a tragedy that Hamas’ leaders care so little about Gazans that they have chosen time and again to perpetuate and escalate violent conflict, as they did just last week when Hamas fired rockets into civilian areas in Israel. Let it be clear: Congress stands with Israel as it defends itself and its citizens against this heinous terrorist group,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5).
