[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6329]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           TERRORIST ATTACKS ON ISRAELIS MARK NEW ESCALATION

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM REED

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 15, 2011

  Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, the recent bombing in Jerusalem and sharp rise 
in unprovoked rocket attacks from Gaza have marked an escalation in 
violence by the Palestinian terrorists backed by Hamas and Iran. These 
attacks are a stark reminder of the constant threat Israel faces from 
those who want to destroy the Israeli state. It is also a reminder that 
the friendship and partnership the United States has with Israel is one 
that must always be protected and enhanced. Israel must be able to 
count on the continued support of the United States and the American 
people as they endeavor to live in a democracy free from the threat of 
attack.
  In just the first 3 months of 2011, terrorists have fired more than 
150 mortars and rockets into Israel and murdered five members of an 
Israeli family in their West Bank home. More frightening, Israeli 
forces intercepted 50 tons of Iranian arms, including advanced anti-
ship missiles and radar, 2,500 mortar rounds, and 67,000 AK-47 rounds 
destined for Hamas in Gaza. The acquisition of these kinds of weapons 
makes it clear that Palestinian terrorists do not intend to back down 
from their campaign of terror.
  This violence against the Israeli people is aided by the tacit 
compliance of the Palestinian Authority, which thus far has not stepped 
up its anti-terrorism efforts to root out Hamas and other terrorist 
elements associated with the Fatah Party. Instead, the Palestinians are 
generally accepting of this continued violence, martyring those who 
kill innocent civilians. Recently, the terrorist Dalal Mughrabi, who 
killed 35 Israelis after hijacking a bus, had a town square named in 
his honor. This behavior--and general popular acceptance of terror--
only encourages further violence.
  We cannot allow this escalated level of violence to be dismissed as 
just more back and forth in a protracted conflict between Israel and 
Palestine. There is never justification for attacks on innocent 
civilians, and we must demand that the anti-Israel sentiment that 
pervades Palestine be addressed.
  The Israelis remain committed to the peace process, and Prime 
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has done his part in making concessions 
that pave the way for substantive talks. This has been met by a refusal 
by the Palestinians to even recognize Israel's right to exist.
  Every sovereign nation has a duty and right to defend its citizens. 
As a result, the United States must continue to support Israel's right 
to self-defense. Congress must ensure that the administration does not 
call on Israel to make concessions that endanger its security without 
demanding similar changes from the Palestinians. Congress must make 
clear its support for Israel's right to defend its citizens and demand 
the United Nations enforce a ban on Iranian exports of sophisticated 
weapons to Hamas and other terrorist groups.

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