Statement on Gaza Flotilla Incident

“The loss of life is always regrettable, but it is wrong for members of the international community to rush to judgment against Israel with respect to the Gaza flotilla incident.  Israel has a right to protects its borders and defend itself against terrorism. 

The terrorist group Hamas is engaged in a war against Israel from inside Gaza.  Israel unilaterally withdrew from Gaza in 2005 in the hopes of furthering peace.  Instead, Hamas consolidated its power in Gaza and launched thousands of rockets and mortar shells against innocent Israeli civilians.  Israel’s blockade is an act of self-defense – a necessity to deny Hamas the weaponry it needs to continue in its acts of aggression.   

Israel was willing to cooperate in a manner to ensure the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza, as it has in the past.  However, organizers of the flotilla appeared intent on provoking confrontation.  Video has been released which indicates Israeli soldiers came under violent attack first, before the Israelis switched from using paint guns to using pistols in their own apparent self-defense.      

The knee-jerk condemnation of Israel by some in the world community obscures two important facts that should never be forgotten:  First, Israel is a democracy and an ally of the United States with a right to protect itself.  Second, Hamas is a terrorist group that refuses to recognize the right of Israel to peaceably exist.  As an investigation into the specific facts of the incident proceed, we must ensure that it is both balanced and respectful of these underlying facts.”