^{(Photo courtesy of U.S. Department of Defense)}

WASHINGTON — Rep. Scott Franklin, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement in response to the escalating violence in Israel:

“Israel is a staunch ally of the United States that has every right and a solemn duty to protect its people from the bloodthirsty forces of terrorism. I unequivocally support their effort to defend themselves from the rocket bombardments perpetrated by the Iranian-backed terrorist group Hamas."

“It’s painful to see videos of parents fleeing with terrified children to bomb shelters to escape rocket barrages targeting civilian neighborhoods. Attacks like this are conducted by cowards and criminals. We should all be grateful that in this time of abject violence against Israeli civilians that defense systems like the Iron Dome, a joint U.S.-Israeli initiative, are able to minimize civilian casualties."

“It is shameful that some within our Congress choose to condemn our longtime ally in their time of need for simply defending themselves against an internationally recognized terrorist group. Perhaps this is to be expected, considering the Biden Administration has made it clear that it is more interested in loosening sanctions on terrorist financiers like Iran than it is in strengthening historic diplomatic peace initiatives like the Abraham Accords. We should not be surprised when terrorist groups like Hamas feel emboldened to attack our allies when the Administration’s policies diminish America’s standing on the world stage."

“The United States must continue to fully support Israel's right to defend herself against the constant threat of terrorist attacks."