Statement on Events in Gaza

"The United States and the international community must stand united with Israel against the threat of terrorism. Since Israel voluntarily withdrew from Gaza in September 2005, Gaza-based terrorists have launched more than 6,000 rockets into Israel. Israel has every right to defend its citizens from these ongoing attacks.

I first visited Israel with five other members of Congress in 2003 and was struck by the degree to which ordinary Israelis were under the constant threat of terrorist attacks. Homes had bulletproof windows, security guards and metal detectors were necessities in most public places, and the threat of suicide bombings was a daily reality."