Throughout the recent Gaza crisis, J Street consistently called for strong American and international leadership to reach a cease-fire that ended all military operations, stopped the rockets aimed at Israel, instituted an effective mechanism to prevent weapons smuggling into Gaza to re-arm Hamas, and lifted the blockade of Gaza.

While the military response by the Israeli Defense Forces may be understood and even justified in the wake of Hamas rocket attacks, we believe that a military response that is disproportionate and escalatory will ultimately prove counterproductive, igniting further anger in the region and damaging long-term prospects for peace and stability for Israel, the Palestinians, and the whole region.

Obviously Israel has the right to employ military force to defend its citizens and interests. The right question to ask, however, is not whether Israel has that right, but whether the specific actions taken by Israel in Gaza actually serve Israel's legitimate long-term security interests and America's best interests. In this case, J Street believes they may well not.

Here is a collection of links about J Street's position on the Gaza crisis.

Our position

• Frequently Asked Questions about J Street's position on Gaza.
• Statement on Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza, posted December 27, 2008.
• Statement on Israeli Ground Invasion of Gaza, posted January 4, 2009.
• Statement welcoming US-Israeli efforts to halt weapons smuggling into Gaza strip, posted January 16, 2009.
• Statement welcoming Israeli decision to halt military operations in Gaza, posted January 18, 2009.
• Statement applauding US humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza, posted January 30, 2009.

Support for our position

• In Congress. Read a collection of thoughtful Congressional statements about the Gaza crisis here.
• Congressional resolutions. We were pleased to see language in the Congressional resolutions that called for an immediate ceasefire and active American diplomacy to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in addition to support for Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas rockets and terror.
• Perspectives. Click here for some recommended reading on the Gaza crisis from leading policy experts, political leaders, and intellectuals.