Standing with Israel

Floor Speech

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Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, the continuing attacks on Israeli civilians by Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip are a shocking reminder that Israel's very existence has been threatened throughout its seven decades as a nation. We strongly condemn these attacks and the terror campaign being waged against our Israeli allies.

As a sovereign country, Israel not only has the right but the responsibility to protect its own citizens. No nation could be expected to withstand these assaults without acting in its own defense.

Even in its military response, under constant threat of further attacks, with air raid sirens driving hundreds of thousands of Israelis to bomb shelters, Israel has shown remarkable restraint. Hamas has certainly not.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government should have the full support of this Congress and this President as it works to end the waves of terror coming out of Gaza. As the Prime Minister said in this Chamber 10 years ago, ``Israel is the one anchor of stability'' in the Middle East.

Mr. Speaker, we must continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel, united against all threats to its peace, stability, and its very existence.

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