WASHINGTON – Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) released the following statement condemning the unprovoked attacks by Hamas terrorists on the Democratic Jewish State of Israel. Today, Congressman Valadao joined House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (TX-10) in introducing a bipartisan resolution standing with Israel and its right to defend itself.

“I stand with our friend and ally Israel as they defend themselves against unprovoked attacks by Hamas terrorists,” said Congressman Valadao. “The stories and pictures coming out of Israel are devastating, and I am heartbroken at the loss of American lives and hundreds of Israeli citizens at the hands of Iran-backed terrorists. The United States will continue to stand with our strongest ally in the Middle East. We must immediately elect a Speaker of the House so Congress can act swiftly to provide Israel with any additional resources they need.”

The resolution shows support for Israel by expressing that Congress: 

• Stands with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists; 
• Reaffirms Israel’s right to self-defense; 
• Condemns Hamas’ brutal war on Israel; 
• Calls on all countries to unequivocally condemn Hamas’ brutal war on Israel; 
• Calls on Hamas to immediately cease these violent attacks and safely release all living hostages and return the bodies of deceased hostages; 
• Mourns the over 900 Israelis killed and over 2,000 others wounded in Hamas’ unprovoked attack on Israel; 
• Reaffirms the United States’ commitment to Israel’s security, including through security assistance in line with the 2016 U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding; 
• Urges full enforcement of the Taylor Force Act and other restrictions in U.S. law to prevent United States foreign assistance from benefiting terrorists, directly or indirectly; 
• Condemns Iran’s support for terrorist groups and proxies, including Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad; 
• Urges full enforcement of U.S. sanctions against Iran to prevent Iran’s funding of terrorist groups including Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad; and,
• Stands ready to assist Israel with emergency resupply and other security, diplomatic, and intelligence support. 

The full text of the resolution can be found here.
 
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