[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 12 (Wednesday, January 21, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E118]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


              ISRAEL'S RIGHT TO DEFEND HERSELF FROM ATTACK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JEB HENSARLING

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 21, 2009

  Mr. HENSARLING. Madam Speaker, as a Member of Congress it is a high 
honor to cast my vote in the people's House. In my career, I have 
exercised that privilege over 4,200 times. While my record is not 
perfect, I am proud that last year I participated in 99 percent of all 
votes.
  That is all the more reason why I am filled with regret that I 
unintentionally missed my opportunity to cast a vote last Friday on 
Rollcall No. 10, the resolution recognizing Israel's right to defend 
herself against attacks from Gaza. As a longtime supporter of Israel 
and her right to exist, I want to inform the House that were I present 
for the vote, I would have voted in favor of this important resolution.
  Madam Speaker, I offer my strong support of Israel and H. Res. 34. 
Since the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza in 2005, Hamas has 
continually launched thousands of rockets into southern Israel, killing 
innocent civilians, destroying vital infrastructure and private 
property, and holding hostage virtually all southern Israel's 
residents.
  Though the Egyptian-brokered ceasefire of June 2008 reduced the 
number of rocket attacks from Gaza, the attacks never fully ended. 
Instead, Hamas and its foreign allies used this opportunity to smuggle 
more weapons into the region. Once the ceasefire expired on December 
19, 2008, Hamas resumed its daily attacks on Israel with increased 
ferocity using its new and improved longer range Iranian-made rockets 
smuggled in during the ceasefire. Israel was left with little choice 
but to retaliate against these attacks by targeting Hamas' military 
forces and weapons stockpiles.
  While any loss of life is deplorable, the fact remains that it was 
Hamas who forced Israel to resort to a military solution. Thus, I offer 
Israel my full support in the efforts to protect her citizens. If 
America fell under the same daily barrage of rocket attacks, we would 
not hesitate to strike back with military force, nor would we seek 
permission to take the necessary steps to protect our citizens.
  Madam Speaker, Israel has a legal, moral, and historical right to 
exist in peace with secure and defensible borders. While it is my 
earnest prayer that this current conflict may be resolved shortly 
through a durable and sustainable ceasefire, Israel cannot put at risk 
the security of her people by allowing Hamas to continue to export 
violence from Gaza.
  The loss of innocent civilian life is tragic and it is deplorable 
that Hamas complicates Israel's attempts to avoid civilian casualties 
by stockpiling weapons in homes and in mosques and using public places 
like schools to launch their sinister attacks on Israel. The 
Palestinian people deserve better.
  Peace can never be achieved so long as terrorist groups like Hamas 
continue to operate. Israel has been our staunchest ally in the Middle 
East and a full partner in the global war against radical jihadists--
individuals who would destroy our Nation, our children, our values, and 
the very existence of Western civilization. We must continue to support 
Israel's right to defend herself against those who seek to destroy her 
and continue to support efforts to bring a lasting peace between Israel 
and her neighbors.
  Madam Speaker, I support H. Res. 34 and Israel's right to defend 
herself from attack.

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