Obama Slammed Over Israel

By Jordan Fabian – The Hill, and JCRC

The second-ranking House Republican on Wednesday accused the Obama administration of being too tough with Israel hours after a bombing in Jerusalem injured dozens.

Majority Leader Eric Cantor (Va.), the only Jewish Republican in Congress, repeated his party’s claim that the administration has asked Israel to concede too much in order to resume peace negotiations with the Palestinians, which in turn has resulted in Palestinian militant groups continuing to commit violent acts against Israelis.

“The administration has called on Israel to make sweeping concessions that I believe will endanger its security, but it doesn’t seem to demand similar from the Palestinians,” Cantor said in a statement. “No matter how much we desire Mideast peace, it will remain a pipe dream so long as Palestinian culture makes martyrs of terrorists who target innocents.”

Cantor’s statement came after a bomb detonated near Jerusalem’s central bus station, killing one and injuring at least 50 people. Investigators are still determining who is responsible for the attack.

The GOP leader referenced the recent killing of five members of a Jewish family in the West Bank and constant rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip as evidence that not enough is being done to stop Palestinian efforts to incite violence.

President Barack Obama in a statement condemned the attack “in the strongest possible terms” and urged both sides to exercise restraint in their response.

“The United States calls on the groups responsible to end these attacks at once and we underscore that Israel, like all nations, has a right to self-defense,” he said. “We also express our deepest condolences for the deaths of Palestinian civilians in Gaza yesterday. We stress the importance of calm and urge all parties to do everything in their power to prevent further violence and civilian casualties.”

Meanwhile, a bipartisan group of lawmakers is circulating a letter around Capitol Hill calling on the administration to put more pressure on Palestinian officials to stop incitement.

Here’s what some New York elected officials had to say about the attack:

Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY):
“Today’s cowardly act of terrorism against innocent Israeli civilians demonstrates the constant threat of violence Israelis are forced to live under everyday. We stand side-by-side with the people of Israel and I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured in this inhumane attack.”

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY):
“This is a reprehensible act of terrorism against Israeli civilians. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the attack and their families. We stand with the people of Israel during this difficult time.”

Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (D-NY):
“This morning, the world was shocked to learn of the bombing at a bus station in central Jerusalem. It’s important to note that this is the city’s first bombing since 2004.

“On behalf of the people of the 11th Congressional District of New York and myself, I’d like to express that our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those who were injured and killed as a result of this senseless bombing. Attacks targeting innocent civilian populations are among the most abhorrent acts against humanity.

“They are intended to terrorize and disrupt the lives of innocent Israelis and derail efforts in the search for a pathway to peace in the Middle East. I join with my constituents in strongly condemning this heinous attack.”

Congressman Joe Crowley (D-NY):
“I strongly condemn the horrific and senseless terrorist attack today on innocent Israeli civilians. Terrorism, under any circumstances, can never be justified. My deepest condolences are with those affected by this tragedy.”

Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY):
“Once again, the world is a witness to cold-blooded violence committed by Palestinians against Israelis. I condemn today’s cowardly terrorist attack in Jerusalem and express my deepest sympathies to the people of Israel, to the victims, and to their families.

During the last decade, terrorist attacks on Israeli buses, pizzerias, and so many other places became brutally commonplace. Indeed, virtually one decade ago to the day (March 27, 2001), 28 Israelis were injured in a frighteningly similar attack on a bus in Jerusalem. How sad it is that the Palestinians still have not learned that they will not earn their statehood through another peoples’ tragedy and their own culture of death.

The brutality must stop. The killers must be brought to justice. And, the region will hopefully someday see peace. Yet, that will never happen unless the Palestinians return to the bargaining table so that negotiations can begin again with Israel.

Today, I call upon the Palestinian leadership to condemn and foreswear this and all other terrorist attacks, end incitement and glorification of past murderers, and join with the Israelis so that all people of this region can one day live in peace.”

Congresswoman Nan Hayworth (R-NY):
“I strongly condemn today’s appalling terrorist attack in Jerusalem and my thoughts and prayers are with the people of Israel.”

Congressman Steve Israel (D-NY):
“This is yet another heinous act of terrorism against the State of Israel that demands instant condemnation. The rocket and mortar fire from Gaza and today’s bombing remind us that Israel faces serious, violent threats every day. As recently as last week I expressed my concern to Secretary Clinton that Hamas not be allowed to strengthen its hand during this period of unrest. Israel is a critical ally and we must continue to build upon our strong partnership.”

Congressman Peter King (R-NY):
“I condemn this brutal and senseless attack. This attack demonstrates once again how evil and diabolical Israel’s enemies are. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of the killed and injured.”

Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY):
“My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of today’s senseless bombing in Jerusalem.”

Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY):
“I am deeply saddened to learn that Jerusalem’s main bus station has been targeted by terrorism. My heart goes out to the families of the woman who was murdered and the dozens of others who have injured, some seriously. This bomb was intended to harm civilians and was situated where it would cause maximum injury. I strongly condemn the perpetrators and I hope they will be brought to justice.

“This latest attack follows a series of missiles fired from the Gaza Strip, one of which landed in Beersheba on Wednesday and caused injuries to civilians and damage to residential buildings. Another landed near Ashdod on Tuesday. Israel’s population centers are clearly under attack. Israel has a right to defend herself against the deadly and systematic targeting of her civilians.

“I hope that the leaders of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip will take all actions necessary to put an end to these terrorist attacks before the situation escalates into full-fledged conflict. I urge all parties to come together for face-to-face talks as soon as possible; it’s the only way to achieve peace.”

Congressman Gregory Meeks (D-NY):
“I strongly condemn the deadly bombing in Jerusalem that today took the life of an innocent bystander and wounded many others. Like the horrific murders earlier this month of the Israeli family who slumbered in their beds, this act of terrorism fails to inspire fear but instead it inspires condemnation. I extend my sincere condolences to the families of the individual who perished in the explosion, today.”

Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY):
“Today’s attack on innocent civilians in Jerusalem’s central bus terminal was a cowardly and disgusting act. I am appalled that enemies of Israel would resort to random violence and terrorism in lieu of seeking peace and dialogue. My heart is with the victims and their families, and with the people of Israel, who must continue to live in fear of arbitrary violence waged against them and their loved ones. I renew my call on Palestinians and their leaders to permanently renounce terrorism and incitement, and to commit to peace talks without pre-conditions.”

Congressman Charles Rangel (D-NY):
“I strongly condemn today’s terrorist attack in Jerusalem on innocent civilians and the senselessness of the loss of life and bodily injury. I stand with the global community and Israeland its citizens in fighting terrorism and in her response to the recent uptick in missiles launched from Gaza into Israeli cities and towns. At this time when so many are crying out for democracy, I am hopeful that all people in the region will one day taste true freedom and will not have to fear falling rockets or attacks on civilians.”

Congressman Ed Towns (D-NY):
“I am deeply saddened by today’s tragic events in Israel. The latest reports reveal that a bomb exploded near a bus stop in downtown Jerusalem, resulting in one dead and 30 wounded. Along with all Americans, my condolences go out to the victims of this bombing and their families.

“The international community must continue to work together and stand up against those who terrorize. I believe Israel’s strength is its people and I know this challenge will be met with strong resolve. One thing remains clear during this difficult time: fear is never a mechanism for change in a free society.

“Today, we pray for the speedy and complete recovery of those who were injured. Today, we pray for the nation of Israel.”

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