WASHINGTON – Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement today applauding the House passage of H. Res 657, which calls on Hamas to immediately cease its rocket attacks against Israel.

“It is with full and unwavering support that I stand beside our true friend and ally in the Middle East, the state of Israel.  We condemn the violent terrorist attacks that have been executed in the name of Jihad, and our resolution reaffirms Israel’s right to defend herself.  When five million innocent Israelis wake up every morning to the threat of deadly rocket attacks, they have a right to protect themselves.  When Hamas – a terrorist organization that has fired more than 600 rockets from Gaza in the last month alone – calls for the destruction of the State of Israel, the people have a right to respond.  And this Congress stands beside them as they do. 

“Our resolution reaffirms Israel’s right to defend herself and calls on Hamas to immediately cease its rocket attacks.  We must come together as Americans to condemn the terrorist attacks against the people of Israel.  They are unwarranted and unprovoked.  And they must be stopped.  Furthermore, we urge the Administration, as it moves forward in its nuclear negotiations with Iran, to take a somber look at Iran’s support to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, which enables them to produce longer-range rockets to kill innocent Israelis.  We send the people of Israel the steadfast and unending support of the United States of America.” 

###