Staff Reports
Rep. Jim Costa (D-Calif.) believes that the recent attacks against Israel have the potential to unite the Israeli people. Despite the divisions and contention within the country, Costa sees this crisis as an opportunity for Israelis to come together. Israel has experienced a series of elections in the past few years, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu facing corruption allegations. However, the formation of an emergency unity government between Netanyahu’s Likud party and Israel’s National Unity party is a positive sign of strength and unity, according to Costa.
Response to Israel Attacks Can Bring Divided People Together: Rep. Jim Costa
"This crisis gives us an opportunity to remind ourselves that what we share in common is democracies," said Jim Costa.https://t.co/Zy4LmLuwLY
— The Epoch Times (@EpochTimes) October 12, 2023
Costa also highlights the potential for bipartisanship in the United States during this crisis. He believes that, just like in Israel, Democrats and Republicans can find common ground and work together. He states that both parties share the common value of democracy, and he expects to see strong support for Israel from Congress. This is particularly relevant as Congress is currently divided between a Democrat-controlled Senate and a Republican-controlled House of Representatives, with ongoing efforts to find a lasting replacement for House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
President Joe Biden has already taken steps to show support for Israel by repositioning U.S. military assets in the region. The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group has been ordered to the eastern Mediterranean Sea, and additional fighter aircraft squadrons have been deployed to bases in the region. Retired Israeli Air Force Col. Uri Dromi expressed appreciation for this support, stating that it “warmed the heart of every Israeli.”
Despite the challenges and initial shock, the Israeli people are showing strength and determination. The military is prepared to carry out retaliatory strikes in Gaza and respond to potential attacks from Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon. However, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with a significant number of casualties and displaced residents. The Israeli government estimates that at least 1,200 Israelis have died and more than 2,700 have been wounded since the start of the attacks. The ultimate goal is to strip Hamas of its ability to harm Israel and bring lasting peace to the region.
