Gottheimer, Zeldin Lead Bipartisan Coalition Condemning Terrorist Rocket Attacks on Israel; Supporting Israel’s Right to Defend Itself from Terrorists

Following 450+ rockets launched at Israel in recent weeks, the U.S. must stand with the key democracy in the region

WASHINGTON – On Thursday, November 21, 2019, Representatives Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and Lee Zeldin (NY-1) introduced H.Res. 727, a bipartisan House Resolution condemning terrorist rocket attacks on Israel and supporting Israel’s right to defend itself.

Between November 12th and 14th, 2019, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) terrorists in Gaza launched more than 450 rockets at Israel, evacuating homes, schools, and hospitals, and forcing innocent Israelis to flee to bomb shelters.

Joining Reps. Gottheimer and Zeldin as cosponsors of H.Res. 727 were Representatives Ted Deutch (FL-22), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), Elaine Luria (VA-2), Stephanie Murphy (FL-7), Max Rose (NY-11), Tom Suozzi (NY-3), Ben McAdams (UT-4), Anthony Brindisi (NY-22), Susie Lee (NV-3), and Jeff Van Drew (NJ-2).

“When heinous terrorist groups like Palestinian Islamic Jihad fire hundreds of rockets at innocent civilians in Israel, there should be no question who the United States stands with. We must stand with our historic ally, Israel — the key democracy in the region. That’s why members on both sides of the aisle have come together to support Israel’s right to defend itself from terrorist rockets,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “For more than 70 years, the United States and Israel have fostered and strengthened one of the most extraordinary partnerships of the modern world. This alliance, rooted in our shared democratic values, is also critical to America’s own strategic interests in the region. The unparalleled success of the lifesaving Iron Dome missile defense system during the recent attacks shows how critical security assistance and cooperation with our ally Israel truly is.”

“Whether it’s the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Hamas or other terrorist threats, Israel is surrounded by terrorist organizations that deny its very right to exist and have pledged to wipe Israel off the map. The constant barrage of rockets has left Israel no choice but to protect itself.  Like every other sovereign nation, Israel has an inherent right of self-defense and will without hesitation act to protect innocent Israeli citizens who live near the border. We must stand shoulder to shoulder with our greatest ally Israel, and I look forward to continuing to fight for the Jewish State alongside Congressman Gottheimer and other staunch advocates of the US-Israel relationship,” said Congressman Lee Zeldin (NY-1).

“The United States stands with Israel, especially in the face of unspeakable rocket attacks by terrorists,” Congresswoman Elaine Luria (VA-02) said. “Israel is the crucial democracy in the Middle East and America’s ally. Our longtime cooperation is unyielding, and this resolution should be taken as congressional notice that Israel has the right to defend itself.”

“I condemn the cowardly actions of terrorists like Islamic Jihad which fire hundreds of rockets from Gaza into Israel indiscriminately targeting Israeli civilians in their homes and schools,” Congressman Max Rose (NY-11) said. “We must, and I always will, stand strongly with our steadfast ally Israel and its people, ensuring they have the tools and resources to protect and defend themselves against terrorists and those seeking to destroy and divide.”

“Earlier this month, I was fortunate to visit Israel with a bipartisan group of my colleagues in Congress,” said Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03). “We visited communities, families, schools, and hospitals and gained a deeper understanding of the Israeli people. My main takeaway was that there’s no goal more important than peace between Israel and Palestine, as difficult as it may be to achieve. Nothing justifies such heinous attacks on innocent civilians, families, and children, and Israel has every right to defend itself from such terror. I stand with Israel, & my heart goes out to the families targeted by these attacks.”

“I am proud to join Democrats and Republicans to stand with our ally Israel and condemn these horrific terrorist attacks. Israel is our strongest ally in the region and when our ally is attacked, the United States must show solidarity and rebuke our enemies. Israel must be allowed to defend itself against these types of terrorist attacks,” said Congressman Anthony Brindisi (NY-22).

“Israel has the right to defend itself. Attacks against Israeli civilians must be beaten back. For over 70 years, Israel has withstood rockets from Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps. Israel shall not and cannot yield to terrorism and we, in the United States must stand with our ally, an ally that shares our values and always stands with us,” said Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY-3).

“In a region wrought with strife, the shared democratic values between the U.S. and Israel have been the foundation for our historic and deep-rooted partnership. These atrocious attacks on civilians are unacceptable,” said Congressman Jeff Van Drew (NJ-2). “It is essential for Israel’s safety and ours that we do everything we can to support our staunchest ally at all times.”

“Israel’s safety and security should be a non-partisan issue, and I am pleased to join colleagues from both sides of the aisle in support of Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorist rocket attacks,” said Congressman Ben McAdams (UT-4).

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