MIAMI BEACH, Fla. - Rep. Fabian Basabe, R-Miami Beach, issued a statement Tuesday calling for peace after the Islamic Republic of Iran launched 180 missiles into Israel, the largest ballistic missile strike on a nation state in history.
"As Israel continues to defend itself against brutal warfare attacks, we MUST find peace and a common ground, and we MUST also stop the divide that grapples our Nation," Basabe said.
Along with Basabe, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez condemned the attack Tuesday. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava also released her own statement.
"Too many people overseas are, at this very moment, fighting for a home they believe in, an identity they share and a blood-bond that unites them far beyond family ties," Basabe added.
Basabe also vowed to "stand with Israel" and what it stands for.
Iran's retaliatory strike follows Israel's attack against Hezbollah in Lebanon last week, which killed Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut. Nasrallah helped front Hezbollah's war against Israel in 2006 and served as its secretary general since 1992 before his death.
Backed by Iran, Hezbollah has been firing rockets into Israel since the war in Gaza began. The terrorist group also has promised to keep striking Israel until a ceasefire in Gaza is reached with Hamas, also supported by Iran.
Tuesday's attack is the latest against Israel in the Middle East, backdropped by the Israel-Hamas war after Hamas killed 1200 Israelis on Oct. 7, 2023.
According to a report, about 20,000 Jews reside in Miami Beach, and roughly 18% of the city’s current population is Jewish. Overall, approximately 500,000 Jews are located in the South Florida area.
District 106, represented by Basabe, includes North Bay Village, Sunny Isles Beach, and Miami Beach.
Elected in 2022, Basabe defeated Democrat Jordan Leonard by 240 votes. He faces a general election challenge from Democrat Joe Saunders and Mo Saunders Scott in November.
