Israelis take cover as a siren sounds warning of incoming rockets from Gaza, in the southern city of Ashkelon May 5, 2019. Photo: Reuters / Amir Cohen.

Top US officials from both sides of the aisle expressed full-throated backing for Israel this past weekend as it faced a rocket assault from the Gaza Strip.

“Once again, Israel faces a barrage of deadly rocket attacks by terrorist groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad,” President Donald Trump tweeted. We support Israel 100% in its defense of its citizens.”

“To the Gazan people — these terrorist acts against Israel will bring you nothing but more misery,” Trump added. “END the violence and work towards peace — it can happen!”

Vice President Mike Pence tweeted, “We strongly condemn the attacks in Gaza by Hamas terrorists. Israel has the absolute right to defend itself & the U.S. stands by our great ally Israel.”

A State Department statement said, “The United States strongly condemns the ongoing barrage of rocket attacks by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad from Gaza upon innocent civilians and their communities across Israel. We call on those responsible for the violence to cease this aggression immediately. We stand with Israel and fully support its right to self defense against these abhorrent attacks.”

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said, “Hamas must immediately stop launching rockets into Israel. The targeting of innocent communities is never acceptable, as is the exploitation of protected sites like schools and mosques by Hamas and its affiliates for the purpose of launching attacks. Israel has every right to defend itself against these rocket attacks from Gaza. They were a gross and blatant violation of international law, and the Israeli actions to neutralize rocket launchers and prevent further attacks are entirely justified. The United States Congress, in a bipartisan fashion, stands strongly in support of our ally Israel and its right to protect its citizens from terror.”

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told Jewish Insider, “Israel has every right to defend herself from indiscriminate rockets attacks, the same right as any other nation. The United States stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Israel.”