[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 87 (Thursday, June 10, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1068]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  THE ISRAEL BLOCKADE AND THE FLOTILLA

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                               speech of

                             HON. DAN BOREN

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 9, 2010

  Mr. BOREN. Madam Speaker, in the last few weeks, the right of Israel 
to defend itself against threats to ensure its security has come under 
attack.
  Last month, Israel Defense Forces intercepted a flotilla of vessels 
in the Mediterranean Sea manned by protestors whose aim was to provoke 
a response from Israel and prompt international disapproval of Israel's 
blockade of the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip.
  During this so-called ``flotilla incident,'' Israeli forces boarded 
the ships to search for weapons. They were attacked and subsequently 
used force to protect themselves. The Turkish Humanitarian Relief 
Foundation, which organized the flotilla, has known ties to Hamas and 
other terrorist groups.
  Madam Speaker, in the aftermath of this event, Israel has been 
unfairly and wrongly condemned for its actions. As criticism of Israel 
over this incident escalates, and investigations into the matter 
proceed, we must not forget who really is under attack--Israel.
  Israel is persistently targeted for violence by Hamas and other 
military groups in the region. Hamas, which is officially designated by 
the United States as a terrorist group, is fervently avowed to the 
destruction of Israel.
  Israel inspects cargo bound for Gaza to stem the flow of arms and 
explosives to Hamas and other militant organizations there who want to 
attack it. There is a good reason for this policy: Since Israeli forces 
withdrew from Gaza, Hamas has fired more than 7,000 rockets and mortar 
shells into Israel.
  The foremost responsibility of government is to protect the safety of 
its citizens. Many nations--including the United States--reserve the 
right to confront threats to their security, sometimes preemptively to 
eliminate imminent danger.
  Blocking the movement of weapons by sea into Gaza prevents Hamas and 
other militant groups from having the means to use violence against 
Israel to achieve their desired aims, chief among them the annihilation 
of Israel.
  Madam Speaker, it is imperative that members of this chamber give due 
attention to the circumstantial evidence and historical facts 
surrounding the flotilla incident.
  The relationship between the United States and Israel rests firmly 
upon the foundation of more than half a century of history. It is 
grounded in mutual respect, supported by shared values, and guided by 
common interests.
  For these reasons, we must remain resolutely committed to uphold 
Israel's right to self-defense.
  I urge my fellow colleagues also to voice their support for Israel on 
this important issue.

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