[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 91 (Thursday, June 17, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1148]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     STANDING IN SUPPORT OF ISRAEL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JEB HENSARLING

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 17, 2010

  Mr. HENSARLING. Madam Speaker, I come to the floor today to express 
my strong support for the State of Israel, adding my voice alongside 
that of the millions of Americans who support the State of Israel.
  On May 31, Israeli forces took military action and boarded six ships 
in a flotilla that was attempting to break the Israeli blockade of 
Gaza. No matter how regrettable the loss of life may be in this 
incident, it does not change the underlying fact that Israel has a 
right to defend herself, and in this case was exercising it.
  When Hamas seized control of Gaza, this terrorist organization used 
it as a base of operations from which to commit acts of terrorism 
against Israel and her citizens. In response, Israel imposed a blockade 
of Gaza to prevent weapons from reaching the hands of terrorists to be 
used to maim and kill innocent Israeli citizens. By implementing this 
policy and stemming the ability of Hamas to carry out acts of 
terrorism, Israel not only saved lives in Israel, but also has saved 
lives in Gaza.
  Had this flotilla truly been about providing humanitarian aid to 
Gaza, why did they not accept Israel's offer to let the ships dock at 
an Israeli port, be inspected, and then proceed over land to Gaza? 
Based on the flotilla's actions, it seems the political mission of 
attempting to break the Israeli blockade was of higher priority than 
the humanitarian mission of providing aid to Gaza.
  The State of Israel is one of the United States' staunchest allies, 
and our two nations have enjoyed a special relationship since the 
founding of the State of Israel over sixty years ago.
  Over the course of this relationship, the United States has proudly 
and unwaveringly stood by our friend and ally, Israel. We should and 
must continue to do so now.

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