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Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) joined Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) and Seth Moulton (MA- 06) in leading 10 of their colleagues from the House Committee on Armed Services, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and House Committee on Foreign Affairs in sending a letter to President Biden outlining concerns over Israel’s current military operations and the need for a strategic approach that works toward a political resolution. 

The lawmakers wrote: “The barbaric October 7th attack on Israel was not only heartbreaking to watch unfold, but reminiscent of our nation’s own harrowing experience on September 11, 2001. In response to those attacks, we waged our own war on terror which lasted so long that it came to be fought by servicemembers who had not yet been born on September 11th. We still live with the weight of the moral, political, military, and humanitarian consequences of that decision.” 

“In our roles on the House Committee on Armed Services, Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and Committee on Foreign Affairs, we have a responsibility to conduct oversight of our support for U.S. allies. In this case, we feel particularly compelled to share our concerns for Israel’s ultimate success and lasting security.” 

“Amidst this second phase of military operations, we urge you to convey our successes and failures in Iraq and Afghanistan and press Israel to adopt strategic methods that utilize precise targeting, reduce civilian harm, and work toward winning the peace in its own operation to defeat Hamas. Our nation has come to understand the costs associated with losing sight of these principles firsthand...” 

“These principles are essential to military success, lasting security, and pursuit of a two-state solution. We want Israel to succeed in eliminating Hamas’ operational control and achieving lasting peace and security for all civilians. Many see a false choice in this divisive conflict between ensuring Israeli security and Palestinian rights. We believe that lasting peace will only be realized when both Israelis and Palestinians have security, prosperity, and self-determination.” 

“Mr. President, it remains our collective responsibility to prevent the already horrific civilian death toll from growing, which is sure to have far more devastating consequences to Palestinian and Israeli populations, increase the risks of wider regional conflict, and imperil the security and stability of the larger Middle East, as well as our own. The last two decades have taught our country many hard lessons. We hope you keep those lessons, and the human costs associated, in mind as you continue to engage in diplomacy that is centered on our principles of freedom and democracy. As the American public, our adversaries, and the entire world watch this devastating war carry on, we urge you to continue to lead on the global stage with that memory in mind,” the lawmakers concluded.

In addition to the three leads, the letter was signed by Reps. Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), André Carson (IN-07), Ami Bera (CA-06), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Mike Thompson (CA-04), John Garamendi (CA-08), Elissa Slotkin (MI-07), and Jason Crow (CO-06). 

Full text of the letter can be found here.