Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas has expressed his unwavering support for Israel following a sneak attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas. In a press release on October 9th, Abbott condemned the violence and offered complete support to the Israeli and Jewish communities.
Abbott stated, “The State of Texas condemns these heinous acts of violence and inhumanity against Israel and its people by ruthless terrorists, and we stand ready to offer our complete support to the Israeli and Jewish communities. I firmly denounce the act of war against Israeli citizens and Americans in Israel and support Israel’s right to defend itself from these barbaric attacks.”
The surprise assault by Hamas has claimed the lives of at least 1,000 people and prompted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to declare that the country is in a state of war with the militant group. The attacks occurred on October 7th as Hamas militants, aided by rocket fire, infiltrated Israeli towns near the blockaded Gaza Strip. Dozens of people were killed, others were abducted and taken into Gaza, and it all happened on a major Jewish holiday. Israeli officials have described it as the deadliest attack the nation has faced in decades.
The conflict has also affected American citizens, with nine reported deaths and several others missing. The U.S. Department of State confirmed these casualties and expressed concern for the well-being of Americans caught in the violence.
In response to the attacks, Governor Abbott announced that over $4 million in additional funding from the Public Safety Office (PSO) will be allocated to enhance security for Jewish organizations, including synagogues and schools, in Texas. The governor emphasized the importance of working with local partners to increase security at Jewish and Israel-related locations. Abbott stated, “In response to these cowardly attacks, we stand united with our Jewish neighbors and we repudiate terrorism and anti-Semitism.”
Abbott's affirmation of Texas's support for Israel and the allocation of additional funding for enhanced security demonstrates the state's commitment to standing with the Israeli and Jewish communities during this challenging time.