“As members of the House Republican Study Committee (RSC), a group of over 115 conservative members of the U.S. House of Representatives, we want to express our steadfast support for the steps you have taken to ensure the peace and security of Israel, one of the most important being the blockade of the Gaza Strip. While we hope that the future holds a more positive relationship between the Gaza Strip and Israel, like you, we see the blockade as a key component of Israel’s security at this time.
While there have been many international calls to end the blockade, we see your actions as the only viable way to prevent weapons from entering a terrorist-laden region under constant threat of Iranian control. We therefore support the right and responsibility of Israel to continue the blockade.
When Hamas took control of the Gaza Strip, it became a matter of national security for Israel to take the necessary steps in preventing weapons from being smuggled into the area. While violence has not ceased, we do not believe it is a coincidence that there has not been an Israeli death due to a terrorist attack in over a year. Many innocent civilians, both Jewish and Arab, have been saved due to the blockade, which has prevented artillery and materials to manufacture weapons from coming into the hands of Hamas.
Sadly, in a volatile area of the world, where Israel stands as a beacon of light for democratic values, the country and all it stands for is hated by many. Thus, it has been forced to defend its mere existence and must be able to continue to do so in situations such as this, in which efforts were made to aid a terrorist-controlled region. We stand by the Israeli people, the Israeli government, and your actions to prevent terrorist attacks.”
A signed copy of the letter is available here Final Flotilla Letter to PM Netanyahu June 11, 2010 in PDF Format
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6.11.2010