Ranking Member Shaheen Statement on Vote on Joint Resolutions of Disapproval

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued a statement after voting for the joint resolutions of disapproval.

"The horrific attack on October 7th underscored the very real threats Israel faces, with innocent Israelis and Americans brutally killed and abducted by Hamas. No country should ever have to live with a bloodthirsty terrorist organization on its doorstep.

"However, I have been deeply troubled by the way the Netanyahu government has conducted military operations in Gaza, the West Bank, Syria and Lebanon. Their actions have not only resulted in the deaths of countless thousands of innocent civilians, but they have made Israel less secure. And the United States, as a longstanding partner of Israel, has been made less safe as well. Of course, the United States' ongoing conflict with Iran in partnership with Israel has only amplified the dangers posed and inflicted real costs on the American people-with no end in sight.

"I worry that Prime Minister Netanyahu's strategy of pursuing endless chaos in the Middle East will only further a decline in physical and economic security for our constituents in the United States and for Israel. This is why I am hopeful and supportive of the direct peace talks that are finally being pursued between Lebanon and Israel. This is a historic step and an important blow to those who would cede Lebanon's sovereignty to Iranian influence. Lebanon and Israel must establish peaceful relations for the benefit of both their peoples and the stability of the region, which is vital to protecting American interests. I urge both sides to commit to sustained and serious dialogue to reach an immediate ceasefire and a durable agreement.

"However, I voted for these resolutions because Israel continues to indiscriminately strike at its neighbors, killing innocent civilians and undercutting governments like those in Lebanon and Syria that have made real strides in enacting reforms and disarming terrorist groups."

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