Murphy Statement On Escalating Hostilities In The Middle East

WASHINGTON-U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism, on Tuesday released the following statement on the escalation in hostilities across the Middle East.

"I am deeply concerned about the rapid escalation in hostilities across the Middle East. Iran's reprehensible missile barrage against Israel today was a further act of terror that put millions of innocent lives in danger. Israel has the right to defend itself and protect Israeli civilians from incoming attacks from both Iran and Hezbollah.

"The way in which Israel conducts counterterrorism operations inside Lebanon matters. An expansive air and ground war risks repeating the mistakes of the past and causing further civilian destruction in Lebanon without achieving a sustainable resolution to Israel's legitimate security concerns. The best way to protect Israel's security in the long-term and prevent all-out war in the region is by prioritizing the safety of Lebanese civilians and reaching a lasting diplomatic solution that allows civilian populations on both sides to safely return home."

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