SURFSIDE (VINnews)-Bryan Leib told Newsmax TV that Israel has faced relentless attacks from the Arab world since its founding in 1948, with terrorist groups like Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon posing direct threats on its borders for the past two decades.

“Ever since the State of Israel was founded in 1948, it has faced relentless attacks from across the Arab world,” Leib said. “For the past two decades, those threats have been right on its borders, from Hamas in Gaza to Hezbollah in Lebanon. This isn’t just a theoretical threat; it’s actual terrorism that has claimed the lives of thousands of Israelis.”

Leib highlighted the human cost of the violence, noting that Hamas and Hezbollah operatives have infiltrated Israel and carried out attacks that “slaughter entire families at the Shabbat dinner table.”

“Most people will never understand what it’s like to live with terrorist organizations on your doorstep but I’ve visited Israel enough to have a rough idea of this feeling,” he added.

Leib, who has advocated strongly for Israel, emphasized the principle of national self-interest. “I’ve always believed Israel must put Israel First, just as we put America First and any sovereign nation should put the interests of their people first,” he said.

Regarding Hezbollah in Lebanon, Leib called for continued efforts to neutralize the threat. “As for Hezbollah in Lebanon, Israel should continue working with the new Lebanese government to dismantle Hezbollah’s terrorist infrastructure and ensure it can never again threaten” Israel, he said.