Rep. Carbajal, Democrats on House International Affairs Committees Voice Concern to President Biden on Israel’s Current Military OperationsLawmakers: “Amidst this second phase of military operations, we urge you to convey our successes and failures in Iraq and Afghanistan and press Israel to adopt strategic methods that utilize precise targeting, reduce civilian harm, and work toward winning the peace in its own operation to defeat Hamas. Our nation has come to understand the costs associated with losing sight of these principles firsthand...”
Washington,
December 6, 2023
Tags:
Defense
Congressman Salud Carbajal, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, and a group of twelve other House Democrats sitting on committees with oversight on international affairs voiced concerns to President Joe Biden over Israel’s current military operations and the need for a strategic approach that supports both the freeing of hostages and a political resolution that protects civilian life. “In our roles on the House Committee on Armed Services, Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and Committee on Foreign Affairs, we have a responsibility to conduct oversight of our support for U.S. allies. In this case, we feel particularly compelled to share our concerns for Israel’s ultimate success and lasting security,” the lawmakers wrote. “Mr. President, it remains our collective responsibility to prevent the already horrific civilian death toll from growing, which is sure to have far more devastating consequences to Palestinian and Israeli populations, increase the risks of wider regional conflict, and imperil the security and stability of the larger Middle East, as well as our own. “ The lawmakers urged President Biden to press Israel to “adopt strategic methods that utilize precise targeting, reduce civilian harm, and work toward winning the peace in its own operation to defeat Hamas”, emphasizing that these principles are critical to lasting security and the pursuit of a two-state solution. Rep. Carbajal and the other lawmakers further emphasized their belief that it is possible for Israel to retain its goals of eliminating Hamas while upholding those principles. “These principles are essential to military success, lasting security, and pursuit of a two-state solution. We want Israel to succeed in eliminating Hamas’ operational control and achieving lasting peace and security for all civilians. Many see a false choice in this divisive conflict between ensuring Israeli security and Palestinian rights. We believe that lasting peace will only be realized when both Israelis and Palestinians have security, prosperity, and self-determination,” the lawmakers wrote. Rep. Carbajal joined the letter to President Biden led by Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Veronica Escobar (TX-16) and Seth Moulton (MA- 06) and signed by Reps. Chris Deluzio (PA-17), André Carson (IN-07), Ami Bera (CA-06), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Mike Thompson (CA-04), John Garamendi (CA-08), Elissa Slotkin (MI-07), and Jason Crow (CO-06). The full text of the letter can be found here. |
