Following an Iranian missile attack against Israel yesterday that raised the prospect of all-out war in the Middle East, members of New Jersey’s congressional delegation are unified in saying that they stand with Israel, although a few members, among them Senator George Helmy and Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Ewing), are also cautioning against further escalation in the region.
In a series of statements yesterday and today, all 13 of New Jersey’s senators and representatives, including conservative Republicans and progressive Democrats, said that Iran’s attack shows the necessity of making sure Israel has the ability to defend itself against aggression from its neighbors.
Some of the state’s more staunchly pro-Israel members, like Reps. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) and Josh Gottheimer (D-Wyckoff), went further than just defending Israel, saying that the United States needs to make sure there are consequences for Iran’s actions.
“Make no mistake, the adversaries of Israel are the adversaries of the United States,” Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) said. “Now more than ever, we must stand in absolute solidarity with our great U.S. ally – and the only true, stable democracy in the Middle East… The United States must make explicitly clear that it will no longer tolerate a campaign of destruction against our closest ally in the region, nor will it allow the Iranian regime to hold the world hostage through acts of violence.”
“No nation can sit idly by while under direct attack and Israel has every right to defend herself and her citizens,” Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Wyckoff) concurred. “There must be consequences for Iran’s actions. The US has and will always stand with our key democratic ally, Israel, against Iran and its terrorist proxies.”
But Watson Coleman, the lone New Jerseyan to vote against a major foreign aid package for Israel earlier this year, struck a more cautious note. The congresswoman said that while she is glad Israel’s defensive weapons systems like the Iron Dome successfully prevented harm to civilians in yesterday’s attack, she is focused on making sure that the United States’s response doesn’t further exacerbate the situation.
“To further supply the reckless Netanyahu government, which has shown little interest in de-escalation, with offensive weapons risks a large-scale regional war which the United States could quickly be drawn into,” Watson Coleman said. “The American people don’t want to be drawn into a regional war in the Middle East. It’s time for the United States to show its leadership and demand an end to escalation of this conflict. For the sake of the lives of millions of people caught in the crossfire I implore President Biden to take action to prevent further escalation.”
And Helmy, the only Arab American currently serving in the Senate, focused on the plight of those in Gaza and Lebanon, which he said needs to remain top-of-mind for U.S. policymakers as they weigh how to respond.
“The current state of relief and access to humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza and elsewhere right now is unacceptable,” Helmy said. “Over the past few weeks, I have been raising the issue of humanitarian aid to people in Gaza, the West Bank, and now Lebanon with my congressional colleagues, the White House, and international agencies. We must come together to de-escalate the conflict and find ways to best support Israel and provide the required assistance and protection to the people of Lebanon and Palestine.”
This story was updated at 5:38 p.m. with Senator Cory Booker’s statement, which can be found below.
All statements
Senator George Helmy: “My heart is with the members of our Israeli American communities as we witness yet another horrific attack on our strong ally of Israel by an increasingly belligerent Iran.
As Jewish and Israeli American families gather to celebrate the high holy day of Rosh Hashanah, and we begin to commemorate the deadly attacks that took place in Israel just nearly one year ago on October 7, I am appalled by the continued escalation of the conflict in the Middle East with yesterday’s deadly missile attacks on Israel from Iran. As I have said numerous times before, I unequivocally believe that Israel has the right to defend herself in these times of violence, compliant with international laws.
We cannot forget, however, the growing and horrific human cost of this conflict. Just in recent days, the BBC has reported that up to 1 million people have been displaced in Lebanon; tragically that could mean that almost 20% of Lebanon has had to flee their homes. Protecting civilians must be at the very heart of our strategy to de-escalating this conflict and re-establishing some semblance of stability in the region.
The current state of relief and access to humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza and elsewhere right now is unacceptable. Over the past few weeks, I have been raising the issue of humanitarian aid to people in Gaza, the West Bank, and now Lebanon with my congressional colleagues, the White House, and international agencies. We must come together to de-escalate the conflict and find ways to best support Israel and provide the required assistance and protection to the people of Lebanon and Palestine.
I am committed to addressing this conflict strategically and sensibly to protect Israel, safeguard innocent civilians, and the future of this region.”
Senator Cory Booker: “I unequivocally condemn Iran’s missile attack on Israel and the ongoing efforts of Iran and their terrorist proxies to thwart peace, endanger innocent lives, and plunge the region into chaos and conflict. This latest and unprecedented escalation of violence further increases the risk of a wider war in the region.
This crisis must end. The people of Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon have suffered enough. I will continue to work with the Biden administration and others to ensure the security of Israel, bring an end to the horrific loss of innocent lives, and achieve a sustainable peace in the region. All people deserve to live in peace, with dignity, and an affirmation of full human rights.”
Rep. Donald Norcross: “Iran’s missile attack on Israel is a terrifying escalation in this conflict and marks the second assault by Iran this year. Seeing the photos of Israelis sheltering in place is devastating. The U.S. remains committed to supporting Israel’s right to defend itself.”
Rep. Jeff Van Drew: “Praying for the safety and security of Israel and its people. Now more than ever, America must stand strong with Israel.”
Rep. Andy Kim: “Iran’s direct missile attack on Israel is a reminder of the constant threat posed by Iran and its proxies like Hezbollah and Hamas. The United States must be steadfast in condemning these attacks and supporting the defense of Israel from future attacks. It’s why I’ve repeatedly called for and supported the reinforcement and resupply of critical anti-missile and anti-rocket systems like Iron Dome and David’s Sling that appear to have saved lives this evening.
Tomorrow is the beginning of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, and as families from Israel to New Jersey meet to celebrate, we must dedicate this next year towards efforts that ensure Israel’s security while providing a path for regional stability and peace. The current trajectory is not a sustainable one, and greater change is necessary to save lives and provide much needed hope.”
Rep. Chris Smith: “Make no mistake, the adversaries of Israel are the adversaries of the United States.
Now more than ever, we must stand in absolute solidarity with our great U.S. ally—and the only true, stable democracy in the Middle East.
All efforts must be made to extend the strongest support possible to the people of Israel—including both defensive weapons systems like Iron Dome, Arrow systems, and David’s Sling and all necessary offensive military capabilities—for as long as it takes to defeat Iran, Hezbollah, and other proxies bent on carrying out radical Islamists’ aggression.
It is critical that the United States immediately push for the resumption of sanctions on Iran’s nuclear program, take further efforts to deny sanctuary to Iranian terrorist proxies, and ensure the Tehran regime is unable to use international governing bodies—such as the United Nations and UNRWA—to fund and support its export of antisemitism and terrorism around the globe.
Furthermore, the Federal Government must immediately investigate all Iranian-directed campaigns of influence within the United States and provide Congress with a full accounting of all Iranian efforts to influence federal policy as well as their attempts to sow discord through the funding of pro-terrorist protests since October 7th.
It is well past time that this threat is addressed in a serious manner. The United States must make explicitly clear that it will no longer tolerate a campaign of destruction against our closest ally in the region, nor will it allow the Iranian regime to hold the world hostage through acts of violence.”
Rep. Josh Gottheimer: “Today, the Iranian regime launched a second major direct attack against our critical ally in the Middle East, Israel — putting innocent civilians in harm’s way. Since October 7, Iran, the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism, has been orchestrating a campaign to target Israel directly and indirectly through its terrorist proxies on multiple fronts. This includes Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), and militias in Iraq and Syria. They all share Tehran’s mission to destroy the State of Israel, kill Jews, and undermine democracy — including ours.
No nation can sit idly by while under direct attack and Israel has every right to defend herself and her citizens. There must be consequences for Iran’s actions. The US has and will always stand with our key democratic ally, Israel, against Iran and its terrorist proxies.
Through international cooperation, Congress and the Administration must work to further curb Iran’s destabilizing and reckless conduct that continues to spread havoc, create violence, and cause instability in the region.”
Rep. Frank Pallone: “Iran is no longer hiding behind proxies — its true intentions to destroy Israel are dangerously clear. This marks a deadly and unacceptable escalation, putting the entire region at risk. The U.S. must continue to stand firmly with our ally Israel.”
Rep. Tom Kean Jr.: “Join me in praying for Israel. The United States supports Israel in the right to defend themselves.”
Rep. Rob Menendez: “Iran’s attack on Israel today is an alarming escalation not just for our allies in the region, but for peace and security around the globe. On the eve of the Jewish New Year, I join my colleagues in condemning this heinous attack and reaffirming our support for the Israeli people. Now more than ever, it is imperative that we continue to stand beside them in their defense against the threats posed by Iran and its proxies.”
Rep. LaMonica McIver: “I am deeply concerned about the escalation of hostilities in the Middle East. I stand with the Biden-Harris administration as we pursue every avenue of diplomacy. The objective must be a sustainable peace, where Israel’s right to exist is acknowledged by its neighbors. American leadership should always be committed to a safe, secure, and free Middle East.”
Rep. Mikie Sherrill: “Today’s missile attacks are a stark reminder of the threats Israel faces from Iran and its proxies like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis. The U.S. needs to continue working with our allies in the region to support Israel’s defense.
As families across New Jersey and around the globe begin observing the Jewish New Year, I am hopeful that we can all rededicate ourselves to ensuring peace and stability in the region.”
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman: “I’m praying for the innocent civilians in harm’s way in Tel Aviv, and across Israel. I’m grateful that it appears relatively few were harmed by last night’s attack. The defense of innocent life must be the primary goal of U.S. foreign policy.
We must ensure Israel has the defensive weapons it needs to defend its people from attacks from Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas. Defensive systems undoubtedly saved countless lives last night. At the same time, to further supply the reckless Netanyahu government, which has shown little interest in de-escalation, with offensive weapons risks a large-scale regional war which the United States could quickly be drawn into.
The American people don’t want to be drawn into a regional war in the Middle East. It’s time for the United States to show its leadership and demand an end to escalation of this conflict. For the sake of the lives of millions of people caught in the crossfire I implore President Biden to take action to prevent further escalation.”