Iowa Congressional Support for Israel

From the Israel Emergency Committee (IEC) of the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines    Contact: jcrc@dmjfed.org

 Statements in Support of Israel from Iowa’s members in Congress as of 1/8/09

As of January 8, 2009, we have received the following statements on the situation in Gaza in support of Israel  from members of the Iowa Congressional Delegation.  As additional statements are made public, IEC will include them on a comprehensive listing of statements.

On a national level, statements in support of Israel have been received on a bipartisan basis.  A partial listing* appears below the statements from members of the Iowa Congressional Delegation.

News:  The United States Senate today passed a resolution today supporting Israel’s quest for peace and right to self-defense.  

 

HARKIN STATEMENT ON THE SITUATION IN GAZA

Washington, D.C.  January 8, 2009– U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today released the following statement regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

“Clearly any sovereign nation has the right and the duty to defend its borders.  And I understand and support Israel’s right to do so in defense of the rocket attacks by Hamas.

“Unfortunately, this action has escalated the violence and suffering by innocent people on both sides and this crisis will have no winners.  An open-ended conflict does not serve the long-term interests of the Israelis, Palestinians nor the international community. A ceasefire and honest negotiations for long-term peace and stability is the best way forward.  The Palestinian people deserve leadership that is committed to bringing about an end to the violence that will allow for a viable and independent Palestinian state living in peace with the State of Israel.”

 

Senator Charles Grassley on Hamas' provocation.

 

The essence of Senator Grassley's response to a reporter's question on "The Talk of Iowa"  broadcast 12/30/08 on Iowa Public Radio.

 

Question:  Is Israel's response to Hamas rocketing into Israel too much?

 

Sen. Grassley:  Hamas presumably doesn't want peace with Israel, so whatever their logic,  Hamas tries to kill Israelis by lobbing rockets  into Israel. Now, if they'd stop, Israel would not strike back at them in Gaza.  But otherwise, what would you expect the Israeli government to do?  It would be the same thing you'd expect President-elect Obama to do when he gets to be president.  If Americans were being shelled, you'd expect him to defend America. If Israel is being shot at from Gaza by Hamas, Hamas should expect to be shot back at.  I mean, that's just the way the world works.

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Congressman Leonard Boswell’s Statement on the Gaza Situation

 

“I strongly support Israel’s right to defend itself against the rocket attacks by Hamas—attacks which have killed and injured Israeli citizens.  Israel’s actions are understandable.  We must stand by our ally and be involved in any negotiations.  I’m heartened to learn today of a possible a cease fire proposal.  However, any cease fire must ensure an end to the terrorist attacks by Hamas.”   

-- January 7, 2008. Conveyed by Susan McAvoy.     

------------------------------------------------------------------------U.S. Congressman Steve King
Iowa’s Fifth Congressional District
http://www.house.gov/steveking/
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                            CONTACT: Matt Lahr
       December 31, 2008                                                                         Office: 202.225.4426 / Cell: 202.577.5138

King Statement on Gaza Situation

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Congressman Steve King made the following statement today on the current situation in Gaza.

"We all want peace in the Middle East, but a true agreement that balances Israel’s security concerns with the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people can only be obtained if senseless violence in this region ends.

“When Hamas chose to abandon a six-month peace agreement in favor of rocket attacks against Israel on December 19, Israel rightfully responded to defend its people. An estimated 500,000 Israeli citizens are now within range of Hamas’ rocket arsenal, and each unprovoked attack from Hamas puts thousands of lives at risk.

“Hamas should immediate suspend its attacks and pledge to work with Israel on an agreement bringing peace to this troubled region.”

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*Partial listing of statements ( as of December 31, 2008)  in support of Israel from Members of Congress. [Text of statements are available upon request.]

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, House Minority Leader John Boehner, Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee Christopher Bond, Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission Alcee Hastings,  Ranking Member of the Senate Subcommittee on State-Foreign Operations Judd Gregg, Sen. Benjamin Cardin, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Howard Berman, Chairwoman of the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee Nita Lowey, Incoming Republican Whip Eric Cantor, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Vice-Chairman of the House Subcommittee on the Middle East Ron Klein, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Europe Robert Wexler, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade Brad Sherman.