[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Pages 14441-14442]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        RECENT ATTACKS ON ISRAEL

  Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, I come to the floor today to offer my full 
support of Israel's decision to defend itself. I also commend U.N. 
Ambassador John Bolton for vetoing the U.N. Security Council resolution 
addressing the situation in the Middle East, because of its unbalanced 
approach to the situation.
  Unfortunately, due to the kidnapping of Israeli soldiers by Hamas and 
the continued rocket attacks by Hamas and Hezbollah against Israeli 
towns and villages, the Israeli Government was forced to defend itself.
  There is no doubt that the Governments of Syria, Lebanon, and Iran 
are responsible for these attacks. These Governments provide the 
military equipment, training, and financing for Hamas and Hezbollah to 
conduct their terror campaigns. Their continued support for these 
terrorist organizations has left the Israeli Government with no other 
option than to defend itself by pursuing terrorist safe havens in Gaza 
and southern Lebanon.
  Israel continues to be one of America's closest allies, and in this 
period of terror against the Israeli people it is essential that we 
support Israel's decision to defend itself against these terrorist 
attacks. I ask that the world community join in solidarity with Israel 
as it takes necessary steps to provide security to its people and 
dismantle the terrorist infrastructure in the Palestinian areas and in 
southern Lebanon.
  Israel was attacked for one reason--these terror organizations and 
some governments in the region believe Israel does not have a right to 
exist as a country, much less live peacefully as a country. The 
unprovoked missile launches against Israel civilians, suicide bombings 
of women and children, and the kidnapping and torture of Israeli 
soldiers is the result of Iran, Syria, and certain factions of the 
Lebanese Government's inaction towards these terrorist organizations in 
their country.
  The cycle of violence can only end if these countries dismantle these 
terrorist groups by cutting off funding and prohibiting terrorist 
organizations from participating in their governments. Otherwise, 
Israel will be required to continue defending itself against terrorist 
strongholds, and innocent civilians will suffer greatly--all of this 
because certain extreme elements remain bent on destruction rather than 
reconciliation.
  Israel is a sovereign country that deserves to live in peace. Israel 
deserves to live in peace, free from the attacks of those who prey upon 
its open and democratic society. Unfortunately, innocent civilians are 
ones who pay the price on both sides of the conflict. Yet, until Israel 
is able to live free of missile attacks, kidnappings, and suicide 
bombers the unfortunate reality is that suffering will continue.
  Mr. President, I believe that the United States should and must 
support Israel's right to defend itself. I hope that my colleagues will 
join me in expressing their support for one of our closest allies.
  Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I wish to express my outrage at the 
terrorist actions of Hezbollah that we have seen in recent days.
  As my colleagues are aware, this terrorist group conducted raids 
across Israel's border, kidnapping two Israeli soldiers, and also 
killed eight other Israeli soldiers. The stability in the region has 
been significantly compromised because of these terrorist actions.
  These attacks on the sovereign nation of Israel are reprehensible, 
they are unacceptable, and they are not going unanswered. Israel has 
said it will not negotiate with terror organizations, and has demanded 
the release of its soldiers.
  The United States must stand by Israel as it defends itself against 
such cowardly attacks. Israel has not only the right, but the 
responsibility to defend its citizens.
  And there is certainly no doubt that Syria and Iran support the 
terrorist actions of Hezbollah. In fact, the latest

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State Department report on terrorism identifies Iran and Syria as state 
sponsors of terrorism. We will continue to wage the global war on 
terror, to do our best to rid the world of terrorists and those who 
support them.
  But when acts of terrorism are perpetrated against sovereign nations, 
the international community must recognize that such nations will 
protect themselves and their citizens, as it is their right to do.
  I extend my sympathy to the families of the Israeli soldiers who have 
been killed in these attacks and pray for the safe return of those 
captured.

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