New York, NY – Rick Lazio issued the following statement today in response to the recent incident involving Israeli naval commandos and a ship carrying aid to Gaza:

Rick Lazio said, “Since September 11th the world has carefully opened containers coming from outside countries to ensure they do not include weapons or other material that can be used by terrorists to create turmoil. Before we rush to judgment, we must recognize that Israel is constantly threatened by its neighbors and has a right to aggressively defend its ports. I understand the commitment of the Israeli government to defend its ports and borders and citizens from terrorist attack; and believe the United States should check every container that enters our ports and borders as well.”

(YWN Desk – NYC)