Congressman Leonard Lance (NJ-07), Co-Chair of the Republican Israel Caucus, issued the following statement condemning the barrage of rocket attacks launched by Hamas militants into Israel in recent days and commending the U.S. Department of Defense for its implementation of the Iron Dome project -- the defense system intercepting and shielding Israel from the rockets and mortars fired at civilian targets.
"Iron Dome saved the lives of many Israelis this week. This flare-up of violence is a reminder that peace comes through strength. Israel has the tools to defend itself and unfortunately those tools were needed this week. The Palestinian Authority must work to stop this latest round of violence and return to peace talks."
Lance has been one of those leading the charge in Congress in support of Iron Dome. The U.S. Congress authorized $1.3 billion in funds for the development and procurement of the Iron Dome and U.S. forces assembled the critical defense tool.