ARLINGTON, Va. – Concerned Veterans for America (CVA) on Friday responded to President Biden’s State of the Union announcement of an “emergency mission” to Gaza, increasing America’s direct involvement in the conflict and risking American lives.
In a statement, CVA Executive Director Russ Duerstine urged caution:
“Near the end of last night’s State of the Union address, President Biden informed Congress and the American public the U.S. military would construct a ‘temporary pier’ in Gaza to facilitate the distribution of aid.
By any definition, this would represent a major undertaking in a war zone. It will risk the lives of U.S. service members and, should harm befall them, an escalating conflict. But it will not resolve the underlying crisis. The United States should avoid being drawn into another conflict in the Middle East. After decades of open-ended missions in the region, it’s time to learn from past mistakes and focus military resources on the protection of vital American interests.”