“The recent rocket attacks out of Gaza follow a long history of Hamas targeting innocent civilians in Israel as well as shamefully using women and children as human shields. I stand with Israel as she once again faces aggressive attacks by her hostile neighbor. In August 2007, I traveled to Israel and met with the traumatized citizens of Sderot, who relayed their heartbreaking stories of the constant fear and terror they lived through due to the rocket fire coming out of Gaza. And yet, here we are again nearly 14 years later,” said Congressman Gus Bilirakis.
“Since 1948, Israel has not only survived under the most horrific of circumstances but flourished to become the only prosperous, democratically-elected nation in the Middle East. It is a testament to the strength of Judaism and the sheer will and determination of Jewish people worldwide. Israelis are now facing this latest challenge with the same steadfast resolve. Extraordinary restraint has been exercised by Israel in the face of the constant blitz of rockets that have rained down upon its civilian population. Israel has the unequivocal right to self-defense, and Hamas’ continued escalation of an already tense situation only puts more innocent Israeli and Palestinian lives in jeopardy. I am proud to have supported Iron Dome which has proven to be a remarkable and effective life-saving air defense system. I will continue to ensure Israel, our single most important, strategically in the Middle East, serving on the front lines in our joint battle against terrorism and weapons proliferation, will continue to have the means necessary to resist existential threats from Hamas or any other terrorist organization.”
