America Stands with Israel

Floor Speech

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Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in light of the recent rocket attacks launched by Hamas against our close friend and ally, Israel. Those of us who have visited Israel many times know that Israelis like to say that they live in a tough neighborhood. It is a volatile region with hostile neighbors.

Israeli citizens and children live under the shadow of an everlasting threat of rocket attacks, suicide bombings, and looming violence. Israel is really the only true democracy in the region, and they have a right to defend themselves from attacks, and they must. These attacks over the last weeks are just the most recent examples. They mark the worst escalation of the conflict since 2014 resulting in the deaths of over 70 people.

As Hamas' incessant rocket barrages continue, more civilian lives are put at risk, including innocent Palestinians. They also further endanger any possibility of peace. That is their goal.

As a key ally in the region and a longtime friend of the United States, we must support Israel's right to defend itself and deescalate the violence and use our influence to do whatever we can to support our friend.

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