WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Kit Bond, Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, today voiced his support for Israel ’s response to Hamas-led attacks on the Democratic nation. 

  

 

 

            “ Israel has every right to defend its borders and protect its people,” said Bond.  “With their unprovoked attacks on Israel , Hamas is demonstrating their true commitment is to violence, not peace.”

 

 

 

 

            Bond, who two weeks ago returned from a visit to Israel, pointed out that Israel offered an olive branch by fully disengaging from Gaza in August of 2005.  Unfortunately, the Israelis’ peace offering has been met with continued rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel . These Hamas-led attacks have increased by 500 percent since disengagement and during the informal six-month cease-fire some 215 rockets were launched at Israel.

  

 

 

            Bond urged President-elect Obama and the new Democratic-led Congress to continue strong support for Israel .  Bond emphasized that America and the international community must also be committed to securing a just and peaceable agreement between Israel and Palestine through a two-state solution.

 

 

 

  

            “It is critical that America remain steadfast in our support of Israel ’s right to exist and protect its borders,” said Bond.  “I hope President-elect Obama uses his new momentum in office to push for a two-state solution that will bring lasting peace to Israelis and Palestinians living in this troubled region.”

  

 

 

            Essential to supporting Israel ’s sovereignty is continuing American-Israeli defense cooperation, said Bond.  The United States must provide Israel with anti-missile defense systems, like Arrow 3 which Bond supported funding for, that will help keep the Israeli people safe from the multiple dangers they face in the region.

 

 

 

 

            In addition to diplomatic and military efforts, Bond noted the importance of American support for humanitarian – or “Smart Power” initiatives to promote peace.  While in Israel, Bond was briefed on the success of these initiatives in influencing hearts and minds, like USAID clean sewer and water infrastructure projects in both Israel and Palestinian communities.  Bond also pointed to the Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem , which predominantly serves pregnant Palestinian mothers and babies, as a shining example of promoting peace through serving the poor.  Bond secured federal funding for Holy Family Hospital which provides quality health care regardless of religion or ethnicity.

  

 

 

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