Gottheimer Reacts to the Israel-Hezbollah Agreement
Today, November 26, 2024, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer released the following statement in response to the negotiated agreement between Israel and Hezbollah:
“The deal announced between Israel and Hezbollah — a U.S.-designated terrorist group — is a critical and positive development. For months, the Biden Administration has been working tirelessly to ensure a deal that incorporates Israel’s security needs while ensuring Hezbollah cannot continue to violate UN resolutions 1701 and 1559. This deal will ultimately allow more than 80,000 residents to safely return home, while allowing Israeli forces to ensure the security of the state of Israel and her citizens. Let’s be clear, Israel did not launch this war and maintains the ability to protect herself if violations occur.
“We can never forget that 416 days ago, the Iranian-backed terrorist group launched a brutal campaign against our greatest democratic ally in the Middle East, Israel. Since October 8, 2023, Hezbollah has indiscriminately fired more than 12,800 rockets, mortars, and drones at Israeli cities, residents, and towns.
“This deal shows Hamas that they can be defeated, that their Iranian-backed terrorist allies are abandoning them, and that they must come back to the negotiation table.
“Moving forward, the United States must continue to support Israel in her fight against Iranian-backed forces on multiple fronts. On October 7, Hamas terrorists killed 1,200 individuals, including 46 Americans. We also cannot forget that Hamas terrorists still hold 101 innocent people hostage, including seven Americans and my constituent Edan Alexander. We will not rest until each and every one of them is returned home to their loved ones.”
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