Hoyer Statement on President Biden's Visit to Israel

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today following President Joe Biden's trip to Israel: 

“Traveling to an active war zone within range of Hamas and Hezbollah – both proxies of Iran – to reaffirm our vital U.S.-Israel relationship requires physical and moral courage. President Biden displayed both today.

“I praise him for visiting our ally during this challenging hour for Israelis and Jews around the world and for warning Hamas and its supporters not to widen this war. I echo the message he expressed so clearly to the Israeli people today: ‘as long as the United States stands, and we'll stand forever, we'll not ever let you be alone.’

“It is imperative that America stands by Israel as our ally takes action to rescue ​the more than 150 innocent Israeli civilians and ​at least 13 Americans held captive by Hamas, defeat that terrorist organization permanently, and ensure that the horrific terrorist attacks that claimed the lives of at least ​1,400 Israelis and ​31 Americans never occur again. President Biden called on Congress to send Israel an ‘unprecedented’ aid package. I will do everything in my power to ensure that the House delivers on that promise.

“President Biden also shared the current consensus of the American intelligence community that Hamas was responsible for the hospital blast in Gaza yesterday. Taking Hamas at its word and jumping to conclusions about Israel's effort to defend itself endangers the lives of Israelis and Palestinians alike – as well as Jews around the world. We must trust the findings we receive from our own intelligence agencies and our allies, not allegations made by a terrorist organization.

“Israel is at war with Hamas. Israel is not at war with the Palestinian civilians living under Hamas' oppressive rule. President Biden reaffirmed that truth with his announcement that Israel has agreed to open humanitarian corridors to Gaza through Egypt. I am pleased to see that America will send $100 million to aid the many innocent Gazans affected by this war that Hamas forced upon them.

“I am grateful for President Biden's deft leadership, expert diplomacy, and moral clarity in addressing this crisis. I will continue working with him and his administration to strengthen our support for Israel at this dire time. Together, we will protect the democratic values that have been the foundation of the bond between our two nations for 75 years.”