Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) issued the following statement on Tuesday:

“I strongly condemn the indiscriminate rocket attacks launched at civilians in Israel this past weekend by Hamas and other Palestinian militants operating in the Gaza Strip, which killed four Israeli civilians and injured dozens.  Although a ceasefire has temporarily ended hostilities in the area between the militants and Israel Defense Forces , blame for the conflict squarely lies with Hamas who intended to harm innocents and disrupt civilian life in Israel.  Frustration with the pace of peaceful resolution of Palestinian claims can never justify such violence.  The U.S. must strongly affirm Israel’s right to defend its sovereignty and protect its citizens.”