US officials support Israel’s attacks as rights groups condemn drones, targeted killing program

In Washington, some elected officials are expressing strong support for Israel’s air strikes on Gaza. The President, State Department and Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi all say Israel’s current use of aircraft and drones — paid for by US tax dollars — is justified self-defense. But others, including progressive lawmakers and international law experts, say the US response is undermining peace in the region. And as human rights groups investigate the US targeted killing program, they say it sets a dangerous precedent for other countries, including Israel. On Capitol Hill, FSRN’s Alice Ollstein has more.