Padilla Statement Following Biden Administration Briefing on Terrorist Attacks Against Israel
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) issued the following statement after receiving a briefing from the State Department and the Defense Department on the Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel:
“Tonight, I was briefed by senior representatives from the State Department and the Department of Defense on the appalling atrocities committed by Hamas. My heart breaks for the hundreds murdered in these brutal acts of terrorism — including at least 14 American citizens — and the numerous civilians taken hostage. The Administration has assured me that the United States will continue to provide unwavering support for our ally Israel. I fully support President Biden’s decision to bolster our presence and deterrence efforts in the region by sending a U.S. Navy carrier strike group to the Mediterranean as well as providing additional ammunition and interceptors to replenish Iron Dome missile defense systems.
“I wholeheartedly condemn these despicable acts of violence by Hamas, and I unequivocally support additional action from Congress to provide aid to Israel and its efforts to defend itself and ensure its security. The devastating effects of these attacks have hit us here at home. My heart goes out to the families in California and across the United States who have lost loved ones or are anxiously awaiting details on their friends and family who remain missing.”
###