Supporting Israel’s right to self-defense (Rep. Todd Tiahrt)

While the United Nations and European Union are quick to criticize the blockade, they are remiss for not mentioning why this legal blockade was established in the first place. Since Hamas terrorists violently seized control of Gaza three years ago, they have fired thousands of rockets into Israel killing innocent civilians — and they continue to terrorize innocent Israelis. The blockade is very much a necessary defense to keep them from rearming, while allowing humanitarian aid to be delivered to the residents in Gaza.

The long and short of it is: Hamas is a terrorist group that wants nothing more than to bring destruction on Israel — and Israel should have a right to self-defense. End of story. If Canada was overtaken by terrorists firing rockets into the U.S., you better believe we would be doing everything within our means to stop that from happening. Israel’s blockade is legal, smart and much needed to protect their state.

The lack of leadership by the Obama administration is both disheartening and embarrassing. We cannot sit idly by and wait for the Obama administration to start showing leadership and promised support for Israel. If the administration is not going to make good on past promises, then congressional action is immediately needed to support the Israeli people and their right to self-defense.

For this reason, I have joined with Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.) to introduce the America Stands with Israel Act in the U.S. House of Representatives that will protect the unconditional right of Israel to defend itself. The bill also calls for the United States to withdraw from the U.N. Human Rights Council and terminates all taxpayer funds to the U.N. that would be used in the investigation of the flotilla incident.

It is our moral and strategic obligation to stand strong with the Israeli people and support this beacon of democracy in the Middle East — and against anyone who seeks destruction.