Rep. Nadler Lauds Passage of Resolution on Israel’s Right to Self-Defense Share on Facebook Share on X Print this Page Share by Email Washington, DC, January 9, 2009 Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-08), applauded the House’s passage – by a vote of 390 to 5 – of H. Res. 34, “Recognizing Israel’s right to defend itself against attacks from Gaza, reaffirming the United States’ strong support for Israel, and supporting the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.” He issued the following statement after the vote: “The current conflict between Israel and Hamas is one that no one – other than Hamas – wants. Hamas has intentionally and strategically provoked Israel into military engagement. Faced with incessant barrages of rocket fire by Hamas into Israeli cities like Ashdod, Ashkelon and Sderot, Israel has no choice but to defend her people. We would expect nothing less from any other government. Israel has the right – and the obligation – to secure her borders and prevent Hamas from inflicting harm on Israeli cities and citizens. “I am saddened by the injuries and loss of life to civilians on both sides, but the blame for this lies squarely with Hamas. Israel has commendably made strenuous efforts to minimize harm to civilians, while Hamas has needlessly imperiled innocent Palestinians in Gaza by conducting its military operations from within heavily populated civilian areas. I support the efforts of Israel and others to improve access to humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. Along with my colleagues, I hope for a quick resolution to this crisis and for a future without rockets falling on Israel.”