Dold Visits Sderot, Statement on Israel

From Dold for Congress (IL 10th Congressional), just back from Israel. Day One, Two, Three:

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.”

About Robert Dold:

Robert Dold owns and operates a small business, Rose Pest Solutions, located in Northfield, IL. A graduate of New Trier High School, Dold earned a law degree from Indiana University and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. He worked on Capitol Hill as investigative counsel for the House Government Reform and Oversight Committee before returning to the 10th Congressional District to work and raise his family. Learn more about Dold at www.doldforcongress.com.