[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 100 (Wednesday, July 26, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1539]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CONDEMNING THE RECENT ATTACKS AGAINST THE STATE OF ISRAEL

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                               speech of

                        HON. TIMOTHY V. JOHNSON

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 19, 2006

  Mr. JOHNSON of Illinois. Madam Speaker, we find ourselves once again 
on disturbingly familiar ground as Israel continues to defend itself 
against armed attacks by terrorist groups targeting civilian 
populations. As a sovereign nation, Israel has the right and, more 
importantly, the responsibility to defend its borders from acts of 
terrorism and threats to its national security. The War on Terror 
continues to combat terrorist organizations and their State sponsors, 
and as such, Hamas and Hezbollah must be held accountable for their 
destructive actions.
  The recent unprovoked rocket attacks in Israel and the kidnapping of 
Israeli soldiers are obvious acts of war against the democratic nation 
by Hezbollah and Hamas. The U.S. has been a strong leader in the War on 
Terror and these offensive acts of violence are no exception in the 
mission to stop terrorist activities around the world. Increased 
international pressure to call for an end to terrorism must be a 
priority, as an unstable Middle East can have dire consequences to the 
entire international community, as confirmed by the extensive 
evacuations currently taking place in Lebanon.
  The Governments of Syria and Iran, as supporters of both Hamas and 
Hezbollah in their terror activities, must be held accountable for the 
violence taking place in Israel to protect the innocent populations of 
both Israel and Lebanon that find themselves in the middle of continued 
violence. Additionally, the Lebanese Government must call for an end to 
all terrorist violence and do everything possible to expel Hezbollah 
from within its borders. These terrorist organizations cannot be 
ignored and Lebanon must protect its sovereignty in the presence of any 
terrorist activity by taking decisive action.
  I commend Israel for minimizing civilian casualties by focusing 
defensive attacks on infrastructures and weapons facilities, 
intentionally avoiding towns and villages. In the face of such 
violence, Israel continues to follow democratic and civilized 
principles of war in protecting its people and Country. I continue to 
support the right of Israel to vigorously defend itself in response to 
attacks of violence that threaten the existence of the Israeli people 
and pray for the end of violence and a peaceful outcome in the Middle 
East.

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