11/16/12 - JAC Supports Israel's Right to Self Defense

JAC STANDS WITH ISRAEL

We just completed election campaigns that resulted in the election of members of the US House and Senate who are committed a strong US-Israel relationship and the re-election of a President who has shown his unshakable commitment to Israel. We thank the Administration and Congress for their steadfast support for Israel and we thank you, our members, for your calls, letters and emails whenever we alert you to action needed. Israelis draw great comfort from our support and their security is strengthened by our vigilance.

SENATE AND HOUSE PASS RESOLUTIONS SUPPORTING ISRAEL'S ACTIONS IN GAZA  

Both Houses of  Congress unanimously passed resolutions expressing support for Israel's "inherent right to act in self-defense." Initiated in the Senate by Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and Howard Berman (D-CA) in the House, each resolution "expresses unwavering commitment to the security of the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state with secure borders, and recognizes and strongly supports its inherent right to act in self-defense to protect its citizens against acts of terrorism."

PRESIDENT OBAMA SUPPORTS ISRAEL

President Barack Obama spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi Wednesday night. President Obama reiterated US support for Israel's right to self-defense from rocket attacks being launched against its civilians. President Obama and PM Netanyahu agreed that Hamas needs to stop its attacks on Israel to allow tensions to ease. The two leaders agreed to stay in close touch in the coming days. Earlier Wednesday Netanyahu also spoke to Vice President Joe Biden on the events in Gaza. The President also spoke with President Morsi given Egypt's central role in preserving regional security.  In their conversation, President Obama condemned the rocket fire from Gaza into Israel and reiterated Israel's right to self-defense.   

Joint Action Committee for Political Affairs (JACPAC) is a national network committed to the special relationship between the US and Israel and a social agenda that includes reproductive choice and separation of religion and state. JACPAC supports US Senate and House candidates who uphold this agenda and maintains ongoing dialogue with those it helps elect. In addition, JACPAC serves as a political resource for the Jewish community, furnishing information about candidates, elections and issues.