Rep. Chris Smith, Co-Chair of the Israel Allies Caucus, with Israeli Intelligence Minister Gila Gamliel on Wednesday, May 17, 2023.

            Within days of more than 1,500 rocket attacks against Israel by a Palestinian terror organization, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Israel Allies Caucus, discussed US support for Israel’s right to defend its sovereignty with Israeli Minister of Intelligence Gila Gamliel in a meeting today.

            “Now more than ever, the United States must vigorously affirm Israel’s right to defend its sovereignty and protect its citizens,” said Smith, who also serves as Co-Chair of the House Task Force for Combating Antisemitism.

            “These unconscionable attacks by Palestinian Islamic Jihad intended to kill innocent people and disrupt civilian life in Israel,” said Smith. “It is absolutely critical that renewed attention is brought to the long-term genocidal threats to Israel from many quarters, most of which lead back to Iran.”

            Smith’s high-level meeting with Intelligence Minister Gamliel coincided with Jerusalem Day—the Israeli national holiday celebrated on May 17th that commemorates the return of millions of Jewish people to their ancient homeland and holy city of Jerusalem.

            “We especially celebrate the courage of the Israeli people as they continue to build a beacon of justice and freedom in the Middle East, even in the face of ongoing attacks and security threats,” said Smith.

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