The fact is, is that we have a very close relationship with Israel and Israel security is a national security issue for us as our friend, a democratic country in the region, that the president has restored the money to the Palestinians, $200 million early in his administration. So there’s a respect for meeting the needs of the Palestinians. But there is a Palestinian power struggle, and this is about Hamas. So I wouldn’t just label it Palestinian, I would say Hamas. And Hamas is threatening the security of people in Israel. Israel has a right to defend itself. Many of our members in our caucus are great friends of Israel, but understand also that we respect the self-determination, that we want a two state solution in the region. But that doesn’t give license to Hamas to bomb Israel.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi

May 13, 2021 Weekly Press Conference

“In times like these the United States must stand firmly behind our close ally Israel,” Brown said in comments to Jewish Insider on Wednesday, while urging “all sides, regardless of fault, to exercise restraint and de-escalate the crisis.”

“Hamas’s massive rocket attacks are deeply troubling and must stop,” Brown added. “Hamas is placing civilians on both sides at risk. Israel has the right to defend its citizens in the face of these attacks. Israeli families should never have to spend the night in a bomb shelter.”

Shontel Brown