Surprisingly, I received the response email below from Rep. Price's office Wednesday evening, after having emailed him Tuesday. Attached were Price's remarks to Congress on H. Res. 921, which are posted on his website. I think Israel does have a right to defend itself and a responsibility to its citizens, but its existence as a colonial, chauvinist, and aggressive state means that what could be legitimate self defense easily becomes an excuse for aggression, as I believe it has in this case. You have to ask, what is Israel defending? Does it have a right to defend land that is clearly occupied and stolen. What is self defense and what is only retaliation? It is good that Price seems to care about the Lebanese and supports negotiating with Syria. The problem is he glosses over what Israel has done to cause and worsen this situation and then he portrays this as a case of barbarism by Hezbollah. Hezbollah possibly did act stupidly and illegally, but it has legitimate grievances and it is not as wrong in this war as Price and H. Res. 921 portray it. It could be a reactionary fundamentalist party, but in this case it seems to have acted for legitimate if not just reasons. Price also makes it seem like war was Israel's only possible response, but war is what caused the massive missile attacks, if I remember correctly.
Dear [southplumb]:
Thank you for contacting me about the current conflict between Israel and Hezbollah militants. I appreciate hearing your thoughts on this troubling situation.
I share your concern about this conflict, which has already caused the deaths of hundreds of civilians and displaced tens of thousands more. The conflict will have a tremendous and broad impact on U.S. national security interests throughout the region, including in Iraq. Moreover, this emotionally charged situation has a deep personal impact for many of us, especially the dozens of Triangle residents with family or friends in the region, or who have been trapped in the region themselves.
As you may know, Lebanon was embroiled in a civil war for decades, until the 1990 Taifa accords brought peace through a political settlement that balanced power between the warring factions. During this civil war, Lebanon was occupied by both Syria and Israel. Israel completed the withdrawal of its forces in 2000. Last year, U.N. Security Council Resolution 1559 called upon Syria to withdraw its forces, and required all remaining militias in Lebanon - including Hezbollah - to disarm. After massive popular demonstrations following the assassination of reformist Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, Syria did withdraw. Among Lebanese militias, only Hezbollah has defied the international community by continuing to amass arms.
It is clear that the current situation, in which Hezbollah is firing a daily barrage of rockets at civilian targets across Northern Israel, including in its third-largest city, is unacceptable. Israel cannot tolerate such a threat to its very existence as a sovereign nation; it has no choice but to act to disable and disarm Hezbollah. The United States and the international community must support Israel's right to defend its citizens and its security.
On the other hand, actions that could undermine anti-Syrian, pro-democracy reformers in the Lebanese government or radicalize the Lebanese people against Israel serve no one's interests, including Israel's. Our ultimate need is for a stronger, not weaker, Lebanese government, and widespread destruction of infrastructure and Lebanese military facilities are counterproductive in terms of that objective. Moreover, we must not lose sight of the human costs of this conflict. Innocent civilians have paid a high price in both Lebanon and Israel, but especially in Lebanon, where reportedly over three hundred civilians have been killed and over half a million civilians have been displaced from their homes.
Our goal must be a swift and just resolution to this conflict that guarantees that Hezbollah will no longer threaten Israel while, at the same time, preserving the promise of Lebanon's pro-democracy reform government. To reach this goal, it is imperative that the United States be intensely engaged with the governments of Israel and Lebanon, as well as key interlocutors in Syria, Jordan, and elsewhere in the region. For far too long now, the Bush Administration has sat on the sidelines.
As you know, the House recently considered legislation, H. Res. 921, condemning the attacks by Hezbollah and terrorists in Gaza against Israel and expressing support for Israel's right to defend itself. The resolution was significantly flawed, failing to recognize the human toll suffered by the Lebanese people and failing to call upon the Bush Administration to more actively work for peace. Despite these flaws, I felt it important to strongly condemn the unprovoked attacks that launched this conflict, and I voted for the legislation. During House debate, however, I made known my reservations and strongly urged the Administration to play a proactive role by engaging leaders in the region and working for peace. I have attached a copy of an extended version of my remarks for your information.
While I am encouraged by Secretary Rice's recent visit to Beirut, it must serve as a beginning to far more intensive engagement. You can be sure that I will continue to urge the Bush Administration to work for a resolution to the conflict, while also calling upon all sides to respect the lives of the innocent civilians who have already suffered so much.
Again, I appreciate hearing from you. I hope you will stay in touch.
Sincerely,
DAVID PRICE
Member of Congress
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