Pfluger Promises Steadfast Support as Israel Embarks on a War on 5 Fronts

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman August Pfluger (R-TX) issued a strong statement Monday, voicing his full support for Israel in the wake of intensified military strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Pfluger, who represents Texas’ 11th District and previously served in the U.S. Air Force as a fighter pilot, sharply criticized the Biden administration’s approach to the Middle East, calling for a tougher stance on Iran and its proxies.

"In the last 11 months, Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed terrorist organization, has launched thousands of rockets at northern Israel from Lebanon, forcing tens of thousands of Israelis to flee from their homes," said Pfluger. "Israel has the right to defend itself and its people from adversaries in the Middle East. I worked closely with the Israeli Defense Force during my time in the USAF and witnessed the technology our adversaries utilize against U.S. allies. The Biden-Harris Administration must end its strategy of appeasement toward Iran and its proxies that have prolonged this conflict. We must continue standing with Israel as they fight for their freedom."

Pfluger’s comments come as Israel escalates its military campaign in Lebanon, where over 180 people have been killed in the latest round of strikes. The conflict reached new heights after Israeli military officials declared a "new phase" of war against Hezbollah last week.

Late last week, Mossad reportedly orchestrated a clandestine attack that injured thousands of Hezbollah members by remotely detonating explosives hidden in their pagers and radios. The operation, which spanned two days, is being described as one of the most psychologically damaging blows to Hezbollah in recent memory. By Friday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) delivered a precision strike, eliminating a top Hezbollah commander and 37 other fighters and civilians. Israel’s airstrikes have continued over the weekend and into Monday.

Israeli officials remain steadfast in their goal of crippling Hezbollah’s military infrastructure. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari have vowed to do "whatever is needed" to ensure the safety of Israel's northern residents, many of whom have been displaced by Hezbollah rocket attacks.

Hezbollah’s leadership, however, has vowed to continue fighting. Hassan Nasrallah, the group’s leader, has called for ongoing resistance until a ceasefire is reached in Gaza. Deputy leader Naim Qassem warned that Hezbollah is now engaged in an "open-ended battle of reckoning" with Israel, indicating that the violence could persist for the foreseeable future.

The Biden administration's handling of the conflict has drawn criticism from several lawmakers, including Pfluger, who argues that U.S. policy has failed to deter Iran’s influence in the region. The U.S. has long supported Israel with an annual $3.3 billion in security assistance and an additional $500 million for missile defense technologies. Many in Congress, including Pfluger, are calling for continued backing of Israel amid the heightened violence.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon announced that it will deploy additional U.S. troops to the Middle East as a precautionary measure. Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder declined to specify the exact number of troops but acknowledged the move was prompted by the sharp rise in tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.

The U.S. already has approximately 40,000 troops stationed in the region, and further military assets are on standby. The USS Harry S. Truman, along with two Navy destroyers and a cruiser, departed from Norfolk, Virginia, on Monday, signaling the possibility of maintaining two aircraft carriers in the region in the event of further escalation.