Press Releases

Today, Congressman Salud Carbajal (CA-24) issued the following statement on Iran’s direct attack on Israel and the continued violence in the Middle East:

“Iran’s direct attack on the people of Israel yesterday is a stark reminder of the threat their regime and its proxies pose to our ally, and of the importance of continuing to ensure Israel has the ability to defend itself.

“I unequivocally condemn this indiscriminate attack on Israeli civilians – a continuation of the abhorrent violence we have seen perpetrated by Iran’s proxy Hezbollah, with their continuous attacks on Israel since October 7th.

“In the wake of this brazen assault, it's critical for Israel to not make the mistake Iran hopes it will. Israel must not take the bait. Anything less than precision targeting of those who threaten Israel risks dangerous escalation of the conflict. Restraint must prevail, and I support President Biden and U.S. diplomatic efforts to prevent further loss of innocent life.

“But make no mistake: Hassan Nasrallah and Hezbollah, Hamas, and their sponsors in Iran have been responsible for decades of bloodshed, including the deaths of hundreds of U.S. citizens and American servicemembers. I continue to stand with those threatened by their daily acts of terror and violence, including the people of Israel.

“Tonight marks the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. I join Jewish residents of the Central Coast and all around the world in praying that this new year will bring a pathway to peace, regional stability, and an end to the tragic and unsustainable violence we have seen after nearly one year of war. Shana Tovah.”

Congressman Carbajal has sought the renewal of a humanitarian ceasefire in the Middle East since last year, signing a congressional resolution expresses the need for a cessation in fighting and repeatedly voicing concerns to the Biden Administration about the need for an additional ceasefire like the one broken by Hamas last fall, a measure which helped facilitate safe delivery of humanitarian aid and the release of civilian hostages being held in Gaza.

He has continued to push the Biden Administration to help scale up efforts to deliver life-saving aid to Palestinian civilians and emphasized to Israel the need for a strategy that protects civilian life.

Congressman Carbajal traveled to Israel and the West Bank earlier this year, voicing to both members of the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority support for a pathway to peace that includes Israel’s ability to defend itself and a sustainable two-state solution and long-term regional stability.