TEL AVIV, Israel – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement today after participating in a congressional delegation to Israel:
“In the wake of the unprecedented and horrific attack by Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7 – the deadliest anti-Semitic attack since the Holocaust – I joined a bipartisan delegation to reinforce the United States’ steadfast support for Israel and its right to defend itself.
“On Sunday, we met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister Benny Gantz, members of the Israeli emergency war Cabinet; Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer; and former Prime Minister Yair Lapid, to show solidarity with Israel and discuss the importance of emergency funding for the defense of Israel. We also met with a dozen families of Americans held hostage by Hamas in Gaza to express our support and commitment to doing everything we can to bring them home.
“Our delegation also expressed support for humanitarian assistance to innocent civilians in Gaza, who are also suffering under Hamas’ brutal rule. It is long past time to bring an end to Hamas and find a just and secure solution for Israelis and Palestinians alike. I hope for justice for those murdered by Hamas and peace for all those in the region.”
Senator Coons is Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.