The Orthodox Union, Religious Zionists of America, Rabbinical Council of America, National Council of Young Israel, AMIT, and Emunah of America today express our support for the State of Israel’s recent actions in the defense of its citizens and their security.

Abdul Aziz Rantisi is among the most extremist leaders of the criminal Hamas organization in Gaza. He has preached and directed murder, sabotage, terror and incitement for many years. Since the Aqaba summit, Rantisi has stepped up his murderous activities. The death of six Israelis this weekend, statements by Hamas and Islamic Jihad, as well as the lack of a single arrest by Abu Mazen of a terrorist, necessitated an Israeli response.

As President Bush has repeatedly stated, “terror is terror, regardless of where in the world it occurs,” and we support Israel’s right to act on this principle in its self-defense.

We take exception to the White House’s criticism of today’s Israeli action in the Gaza Strip against the Hamas terrorist leader. Those who would abort the process initiated by the President must be confronted at every turn in accordance with the principles set forth by President Bush on June 24, 2002.

We pray for an end to terror and violence in the Middle East and for a genuine and lasting peace for all the people of the region.