BARTOW, Fla.  –  Following demonstrations against Israel in two Florida cities yesterday, Congressman Adam Putnam (R-Fla.) issued the following statement in support of the Jewish state:

“Israel not only has the right to defend itself, but the responsibility to its citizens to protect them from the rocket attacks that Hamas has initiated.  The loss of civilian lives in recent days is very tragic, but we must also be clear: It is the actions of Hamas that are unacceptable and must come to a stop immediately.  Hamas initiated the attacks and now cynically cries foul when Israel responds in the only way it had available.  Those who would blame Israel are playing into the hands of the extremists who are opposed to peace.”

According to news accounts, demonstrations against Israel’s actions occurred in Tampa and Ft. Lauderdale yesterday.

Since 2001, Putnam has represented Florida’s 12th Congressional District, which includes most of Polk County and portions of Hillsborough and Osceola counties. 

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