SE North Carolina News

Senators Ted Budd (R-NC) and Gary Peters (D-MI) introduced the United States-Israel Anti-Tunnel Cooperation Act in Washington, D.C. today. The legislation proposes a $30 million increase in funding to bolster Department of Defense efforts, working alongside the Israeli Defense Forces, to detect, navigate, and demolish tunnels built by Hamas and other terrorist organizations beneath the Gaza Strip and near the Israeli border.

In a statement, Sen. Budd said: “The United States must fully support Israel as they increase military pressure on Hamas. Through tunnels under Gaza, Hamas smuggles weapons and hides hostages. The development of anti-tunneling technology is crucial for Israel to defend itself and rescue innocent civilians being held by terrorists. I’m proud to lead bipartisan legislation to help Israel combat these threats as well as to develop technology for our own future use.”

Sen. Peters echoed these sentiments: “These tunnels continue to empower Hamas’ brutal attacks on Israeli soldiers and innocent civilians, and we must continue to stand with the Israeli people as they defend themselves. This funding would help scale up Israel’s defense against Hamas and advance development of anti-tunneling technology needed to combat growing threats around the world, including along our own borders.”