WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland) issued the following statement on the recent conflict in the Middle East.

“Let us be clear about what is happening in the Middle East.  Israel has been dragged into battle on two fronts to defend itself against terrorists who target Israeli civilians and seek the destruction of the Jewish State.  The current hostilities were initiated, in both cases, by incursions of terrorists across recognized borders and the kidnapping of Israeli soldiers.  As we know all too well, these battles are merely the latest chapter in a war that has been waged against Israel since its establishment in 1948. 

“I join all those who yearn for peace in praying for an end to the hostilities.  Israeli civilians have had their lives upended, living in constant fear of increasingly potent rocket attacks.  Civilians in Lebanon and Gaza, used by the terrorists as human shields, have suffered immeasurably.  It is impossible to witness what is happening and not hope for it to end now. 

“However, I also recognize that the fighting can only be stopped by the terrorists who initiated it.  I believe the U.N. should play a role in ending this conflict, but the deployment of another force with the same, weak mandate as UNIFIL will not get the job done.  The U.N. and the international community need to unite to demand an end to this reign of terror and full implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1559.  The Lebanese government must establish sovereignty over its own territory instead of allowing Hezbollah and Iranian Guards to operate freely.  And we must keep the focus on Iran and Syria -- the root causes of this conflict.

“In the meantime, we must continue to support Israel. The last several weeks have demonstrated beyond all doubt why Israel must maintain its qualitative military edge in the region.  Any action taken by the international community must respect Israel’s right to protect its own citizens and must be aimed at disarming Hezbollah and Hamas and terminating their ability to attack Israel.                

“Israel aggressively seeks peace and has taken risks to achieve it time and time again.  Sadly, its sacrifices have been met only with escalated threats and violence.     

“Israel withdrew from Lebanon in May 2000 in compliance with U.N. resolutions.  In return, it has been continuously threatened by Hezbollah terrorists on its northern border, allowed free reign by a feckless Lebanese government with Syria and Iran calling the shots in violation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1559. 

“Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005.  In return, it is faced with a Hamas-led Palestinian Authority that supports attacks against civilians and competes with exiled Hamas members over who can be more extreme.  

“This latest violence confirms that Iran currently poses the single greatest threat to regional stability.  It has the motivation and resources to stage a methodical campaign of terror and violence throughout the Middle East, concentrating on fomenting sectarian violence in Iraq and supporting Hezbollah in Lebanon.  Syria continues to shelter Hamas leaders and is widely acknowledged to be complicit in the kidnapping of Corporal Shalit.  Both countries are transit points and suppliers of weapons to terrorists. 

“The current hostilities are mere symptoms of the disease Iran and Syria have brought on the region.  And our policies and those of the international community must respond accordingly.               

 “We have potent tools to deal with Iran and Syria that we have ignored.  The Iran Freedom Support Act passed the House of Representatives overwhelmingly but has been held up by the Senate leadership and the Administration.  The Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act became law in 2003, but the Administration has largely ignored the instruments it provides to pressure Syria.  I welcome Secretary Rice’s visit to the region, and hope that the symbolism of a high-level visit will give way to a concrete strategy to join with like-minded nations to force Iran and Syria to abandon their campaigns of terror.  

“I join my constituents in standing in solidarity with Israel during this difficult time.  New Yorkers understand what it means to be targeted on our own soil – to fear for the safety of our children and our way of life.  I am proud to tell you that there remains overwhelming support in Congress for Israel’s right to self-defense. 

“This past weekend, Jewish congregations throughout our community read words of hope offered by the ancient prophet Jeremiah:  “And I will bring you to the fruitful land, to eat its fruits and its plenty.”  Let us hope that our vision for a fruitful Israel and a prosperous Middle East, where children can grow and thrive in plenty and in peace, will prevail.”