Congressional Candidate Bob Dold Supports Israel’s Right to Defend Itself

The Dold campaign responded to our shout-out earlier today asking what his position is on the Gaza incident. From the Dold for Congress campaign, his response:


Dold Supports Israel’s Right to Defend Itself

Winnetka, IL – Illinois 10th Congressional District candidate Robert Dold traveled to Israel last week where he met with several Israeli security officials and received briefings on the security challenges within Jerusalem, at the Syrian and Lebanese borders and at Sderot, across the border from the Gaza Strip.

“Just two days ago I stood in Sderot, the Israeli city just outside the Gaza Strip, and witnessed first-hand the many fortified shelters and other tragic measures the Israelis must undertake to protect themselves from Hamas. Since Hamas seized control of Gaza in 2007, it has used Gaza as a base from which to launch thousands of rocket attacks at Israel's population. Israel’s security fears for its citizens are legitimate and very real.”

“Israel must have the right to defend itself from Hamas, and such self defense should include questioning those who seek to bring weapons for terror into Gaza using humanitarian aid as a shield.”

“While the video available clearly shows Israeli soldiers placed in a position forcing them to respond in self-defense, I am nonetheless deeply saddened by the violence and the loss of life that occurred. The world must recognize that Israel wishes to live in peace, but cannot afford to ignore provocations in the face of threats from hostile neighbors. America must have the courage to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel and not allow the international community to use this tragic incident to further isolate and de-legitimize Israel.”