July 14, 2006—  Hezbollah today declared all-out war on Israel. Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-02) remarks on the events.

“Israel has done everything within her power to cooperate with her violent neighbors. Securing peace and protecting life is the policy of the Nation of Israel. Conversely, provoking war and murdering innocent people is the policy of Hezbollah, a terrorist group supported by Syria and Iran.”

In an effort to make peace and comply with the pleas of the international community, Israel made the historic full withdrawal from Lebanon in May of 2000. Following the withdrawal, terrorists belonging to Hezbollah have repeatedly attempted to kidnap Israeli soldiers and have launched numerous rockets into Israel. Just weeks ago, an Israeli soldier was kidnapped and Israel responded by desperately searching for the abducted individual. As they searched for one lost man, Hezbollah killed eight more soldiers and kidnapped another two.

“Hezbollah’s constant attacks aimed at killing as many innocent human beings as possible starkly contrast Israel’s effort to preserve the lives of individual lost soldiers. This epitomizes the War on Terror. Liberty and tolerance are warring with tyranny and hate, which is why the attacks on Israel are an attack on all free peoples. Their enemies are, in fact, our enemies. When war is declared on them, we must respond accordingly.”

Trent Franks represents the 2nd Congressional District of Arizona.  He is a member of the House Armed Services Committee, the House Judiciary Committee and Vice Chairman of the Constitution Subcommittee.