Hoyer Statement on Iran Missile Attack on Israel

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today on the Iran missile attack on Israel:

"Today, Iran launched nearly 200 ballistic missiles in yet another attack on our Israeli allies. America led our multilateral coalition's successful effort to defend Israel from a similar Iranian attack in April, and we have done the same today. As the Biden-Harris Administration clearly warned, Iran will face 'severe consequences' for this latest attack.

"This attack is part of Iran's effort to escalate this war, destabilize the region, and destroy the State of Israel. Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists initiated this war nearly a year ago with their depraved October 7 attack. Hezbollah - another Iranian proxy terrorist organization - has launched more than 11,000 missiles and rockets along Israel's northern border since October 7, displacing more than 60,000 Israeli civilians. Together, these terrorist organizations, along with similar Iranian proxies like the Houthis and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, have fired a total of 22,000 rockets and missiles at Israel this past year with strategic, financial, and operational support from Iran.

"No sovereign nation can be expected to live under this constant threat to its very existence. America will continue to stand by our ally Israel as it exercises its right to defend itself. For this war to end, Israel must defeat Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah to the north. We will continue to support Israel in that mission and in its effort to secure the safe return of the remaining hostages held captive in Gaza. As the recent deployment of additional U.S. military assets to the region demonstrates, our commitment to defending the Israeli people from Iranian aggression will not waver."