Talking Points

Operation Protective Edge

Yesterday, the Israel Defense Forces launched Operation Protective Edge in Gaza.  This operation is an effort to stop the recent escalation in Hamas terrorism and missile fire.

• Since the beginning of the year, over 450 rockets have been fired from Gaza into Israel.
  Yesterday alone, 80 rockets were fired into Israel.
• Once again, the residents of southern cities such as Sderot, Ashkelon, Ashdod and Be’er Sheva have returned to the bomb shelters.
• Today, a missile fired at Tel Aviv was stopped by Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system.
• Israel has blamed Hamas for the brutal murder of three students kidnapped on their way home from school.

In the coming days, many will criticize Israel’s actions while glossing over the necessity for them.  As we pray for the safety of the Israel Defense Forces and innocent civilians on both sides of this conflict, we must not be silent.  We must know our facts and speak out in Israel’s defense.  Israel must not be condemned for doing what any responsible government would do to protect its citizens from terror.  We must not permit Israeli defense to be equated with Hamas aggression.