Recent Attacks Against Israel

Floor Speech

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Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my concern regarding the recent attacks on Israel at two of its borders. On Israel's Northern border, Syrian drones crossed into Israeli airspace; on Israel's Southern border, Hamas launched more than 200 rockets and mortars from the Gaza Strip. One rocket hit a home; another landed in the courtyard of a Synagogue. These attacks are appalling and unnecessary provocations on Israel. The damage they are doing to Israel is real and should be not only measured in terms of property destroyed, but also the sense of insecurity that Israelis experience every day. This is not the path to peace. I can only imagine the terror and anxiety that we would feel if the United States were attacked at both our borders in a single week. We are fortunate to have good diplomatic and security relations with all our neighbors. Sadly, our close ally Israel does not have the same luxury. I am reminded of my visit to Israel in 2012, at a time when the country was also under attack. I am inspired today, as I was then, by the resolve of the Israeli communities that live across the border from Gaza and Syria. These communities refuse to cower in fear, despite the constant threat of attack. Their reliance is a testament to the spirit of the Israeli people, which we see manifested in so many ways, such as Israel's economic leadership the fields of science, technology, and energy. The United States must continue to stand with Israel. We must work with our allies to curb the aggressive actions of Iran and its proxies, and we must renew our efforts to bring about a resolution of the conflict in Syria, which has allowed Iran to expand its military presence in Syria. At the same time, we must recommit ourselves to supporting a just and lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

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