SCHNEIDER STATEMENT ON LEBANON

WASHINGTON – Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the bipartisan, bicameral Abraham Accords Caucus, released the following statement in response to escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon:

“Iran-backed Hezbollah began attacking northern Israel on October 8, just a day after Hamas’s horrific October 7 massacre. The more than 8,500 rocket, missile, drone, and anti-tank launches are all calculated to escalate tensions and strain Israel’s defenses across multiple fronts. This coordinated effort, alongside other Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, reflects Iran’s broader strategy of weakening Israel without provoking a full-scale war. Hezbollah’s aggression isn’t merely a gross show of solidarity with Hamas – it is part of a deliberate, long-term campaign designed to keep Israel under constant threat.

“Launching more than 8,500 rockets, missiles, and drones since October 8, Hezbollah has extended its reach into Israel, threatening cities like Haifa and other regions further to the south. Israel’s Operation Northern Arrows is specifically targeting more than 1,600 Hezbollah terrorist positions, including key commanders and military infrastructure, with the goal of protecting its citizens, deterring continued attacks by Hezbollah, restoring security in the north, and allowing displaced Israeli civilians to return to their homes.

“Israel must defend itself as it faces serious, ongoing threats and active attacks on multiple fronts, particularly to the north from Hezbollah. At the same time, there is a real risk of the conflict drawing in additional regional actors, such as Iranian-backed militias in Syria and Iraq. Preventing this regional spillover is critical, and U.S. leadership, alongside its allies, must prioritize diplomatic efforts to contain the conflict.

“Hezbollah’s reckless use of civilian areas for military purposes, in violation of international law, endangers innocent lives. The international community must prioritize humanitarian support to ensure civilians on both sides of the border are protected and receive the aid they need. Moreover, Hezbollah’s actions further destabilize Lebanon, already on the verge of economic collapse.

“The Biden Administration’s diplomatic pressure, sanctions, and strong support for Israel have been vital in containing the violence. Continued efforts to hold Iran and Hezbollah accountable to UNSC Resolution 1701 are necessary to ensure long-term peace and stability. America is at its best when it leads with our allies across the world, and Congress will continue to work with the Administration in support of our ally Israel in its moment of need.

“We all pray for a long-term peace where both Israelis and Lebanese refugees can safely return to their homes and Hezbollah is no longer ensconced on the border and threatening both Israel and the people of Lebanon.”

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