Schneider Statement on Iran’s Attack on Israel

WASHINGTON—  Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10) released the following statement in response to Iran’s attack on Israel on April 13:

Last night Iran launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, including more than 170 drones, 30 cruise missiles and 120 ballistic missiles. Rockets were also fired by Iran’s proxies in its axis of terror — Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen and militias in Syria.

Every one of the 320+ drones, rockets and missiles was intended to kill Israelis. Had they landed, each of the 150 cruise and ballistic missiles had the potential to kill hundreds or even thousands of civilians. The scale of the attack fully demonstrates Iran’s intent to destroy Israel and wipe out the Israeli people.

Thankfully, Israel, along with the United States, United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Jordan successfully intercepted almost all of the weapons fired. Israel’s multilayered missile defense system, developed with the United States, worked as intended.

Alliances matter. President Biden has been outspoken about the United States’ ironclad commitment to the security of the only Jewish state in the world. And President Biden has been diligent in strengthening our ties with allies throughout the world, reflected in the coalition that united against last night’s attack.

Speaker Johnson must immediately bring the essential national security aid package to help Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan for a vote. Anything less is a failure, for the United States and for our most important ally in the Middle East.

###