[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 96 (Thursday, July 20, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1473]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CONDEMNING THE RECENT ATTACKS AGAINST THE STATE OF ISRAEL

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. HENRY BONILLA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 19, 2006

  Mr. BONILLA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my solidarity 
with the State of Israel in its ongoing struggle against terrorist 
organizations such as Hezbollah. Despite U.N. Resolution 1559 which 
demands the disarming of Hezbollah, the organization still operates as 
an armed force in Lebanon threatening the stability of the region and 
freedom throughout the world. In fact, prior to September 11, 2001, 
Hezbollah was responsible for more American deaths due to terrorism 
than any other organization. This organization continuously fires 
rockets into Israel, and on July 12 conducted an unprovoked attack into 
Israel, killing at least three soldiers and kidnapping two.
  It is without question that Israel is exercising its inherent right 
of self-defense by taking action against Hezbollah. Israel's military 
actions appear appropriate to prevent the further removal of the two 
kidnapped soldiers into Syria or Iran. It is clear that Hezbollah is 
supported by direct financial, military, and political aid from Syria 
and Iran, and Hezbollah also receives important support from sources 
within Lebanon. In fact, Iranian Revolutionary Guards continue to 
operate in southern Lebanon, providing support to Hezbollah and 
reportedly controlling its operational activities.
  Congress has already enacted several laws, including the Syria 
Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act of 2003, and 
the Iran and Libya Sanctions Act of 1996 which call for the imposition 
of sanctions on Syria and Iran for, among other things, their support 
for terrorism and terrorist organizations.
  Israel is and will continue to be one of our greatest allies. Some 
examples of their cooperation include Israeli produced Unmanned Aerial 
Vehicles, UAV, that have been used by the United States military to 
identify targets, survey damage caused by bombs, and provide air 
support for United States soldiers. The United States military is also 
currently using Bradley Reactive Armor Tiles, BRAT, originally designed 
by the Israeli military. One hundred United States Bradley vehicles, 
which were installed with BRAT, overcame direct anti-armor fire and 
repelled each attack successfully in Iraq. Most importantly, however, 
Israel is among our strongest allies in the global war on terror. No 
free nation can allow this scourge to continue to grow and spread 
unchecked. The brave and proud people of Israel are standing up to 
terror and we must stand with them.