[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 121 (Wednesday, July 18, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1028]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECENT ATTACKS AGAINST ISRAEL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. NORMA J. TORRES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 18, 2018

  Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my concern 
regarding the recent attacks on Israel at two of its borders. On 
Israel's Northern border, Syrian drones crossed into Israeli airspace; 
on Israel's Southern border, Hamas launched more than 200 rockets and 
mortars from the Gaza Strip. One rocket hit a home; another landed in 
the courtyard of a Synagogue. These attacks are appalling and 
unnecessary provocations on Israel. The damage they are doing to Israel 
is real and should be not only measured in terms of property destroyed, 
but also the sense of insecurity that Israelis experience every day. 
This is not the path to peace.
   I can only imagine the terror and anxiety that we would feel if the 
United States were attacked at both our borders in a single week. We 
are fortunate to have good diplomatic and security relations with all 
our neighbors. Sadly, our close ally Israel does not have the same 
luxury. I am reminded of my visit to Israel in 2012, at a time when the 
country was also under attack. I am inspired today, as I was then, by 
the resolve of the Israeli communities that live across the border from 
Gaza and Syria. These communities refuse to cower in fear, despite the 
constant threat of attack. Their reliance is a testament to the spirit 
of the Israeli people, which we see manifested in so many ways, such as 
Israel's economic leadership the fields of science, technology, and 
energy.
   The United States must continue to stand with Israel. We must work 
with our allies to curb the aggressive actions of Iran and its proxies, 
and we must renew our efforts to bring about a resolution of the 
conflict in Syria, which has allowed Iran to expand its military 
presence in Syria. At the same time, we must recommit ourselves to 
supporting a just and lasting peace between Israel and the 
Palestinians.

                          ____________________