Israel at War; Republican Legislators Emphasize Israel's Right to Self-Defense

Republican lawmakers unanimously condemned the terrorist attacks on Saturday, October 7, by Palestinian groups supported by the Islamic Republic of Iran against Israel and affirmed Israel's right to defend itself. Some Republican senators reacted, with Mitch McConnell, the Republican minority leader in the Senate, stating, "The terrorist violence today against Israel reminds us of the evil force that Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and their supporters in Tehran unleash." Senator McConnell added that the United States and the civilized world must stand united in defense of the sovereignty and citizens of the democratic state of Israel against these malevolent attacks. Senator Rick Scott condemned the killing of Israelis by "Iran-backed terrorists," saying, "This is why many Americans and Israelis were disgusted to see Joe Biden give six billion dollars to the Iranian regime last month." He added that every dollar given to Iran goes towards Khamenei's terrorism and that the Islamic Republic "is behind today's aggression and everyone should say so." Senator Lindsey Graham expressed sympathy for the people of Israel and the victims of Saturday's terrorist attacks, calling for the complete destruction of Hamas. According to Senator Graham, the Islamic Republic designed these terrorist attacks to stop the peace process between Israel and Saudi Arabia because such peace is a "nightmare" for the Islamic Republic and Hamas. Lindsey Graham criticized Saudi Arabia and Qatar, urging them not to issue statements like the Islamic Republic in response to these terrorist attacks. He stated that blaming Israel for today's attacks is not normal, and Israel's only sin is insisting on its survival. Senator John Thune strongly condemned the terrorist attack by Hamas, "a known Iranian proxy," and declared America's firm support for Israel as "one of America's strongest allies." Senator John Barrasso reminded that the United States is committed to providing Israel with the necessary tools to defend itself against all terrorist threats, stating, "The six billion dollars paid by Joe Biden to Iran last month paved the way for today's terrorist attacks against Israel." Senator Joni Ernst reacted to the terrorist attacks by Hamas and Islamic Jihad, saying, "Make no mistake: Hamas is funded and supported by Iran." She added, "America should never appease this ruthless regime and its terrorist proxies that seek to kill our allies and friends." Senator Ernst described these terrorist attacks as the latest example of chaos created by Israel's proxy groups in the region and emphasized Israel's right to defend itself. Senator Shelley Moore Capito condemned the attacks by "Iran-backed terrorists" against innocent civilians and reiterated Israel's right to self-defense. Senator Steve Daines condemned the attacks by "Iran-backed Hamas terrorists" and emphasized the need for American support for Israel and its right to self-defense. According to Senator Steve, the Biden administration gave six billion dollars to the Islamic Republic weeks ago, and today the terrorist group Hamas, funded and supported by Iran, killed innocent Israelis. He stressed the need to support Israel in its war against terrorism and to stop "appeasement with Iran." Senator Tom Cotton condemned the terrorist attacks by Hamas, "an Iranian proxy," stating, "This war is Iran's blatant attempt to derail the peace negotiations between Israel and Saudi Arabia." Senator Cotton said the Biden administration must provide the necessary military and diplomatic support for the destruction of Hamas and halt all communications with the Islamic Republic of Iran. Senator Marco Rubio condemned the attack by the terrorist group Hamas, which is "funded and supported" by the Islamic Republic, adding, "Continued appeasement of Iran encourages these attacks." Senator Mitt Romney described the attacks by Hamas "supported by Iran" against Israel as inhumane and evil, affirming his full support for Israel's right to defend itself. Senator Ted Cruz issued a statement condemning the attacks by "Iran-controlled Hamas terrorists" against Israel. In this statement, Senator Cruz expressed sympathy for the people of Israel and emphasized the need for continued U.S. support for "Israel's inalienable right to self-defense" and ensuring Israel has access to the necessary military and diplomatic support to confront "Iran-controlled suicide terrorists." Republican members of the House of Representatives also echoed their Senate counterparts in condemning the terrorist attacks by Hamas and Islamic Jihad against Israel. Steve Scalise, the Republican majority leader in the House, emphasized the need for U.S. support for Israel as "our greatest ally in the Middle East," stating, "The Biden administration must be held accountable for its appeasement of Hamas terrorists, including giving billions of dollars to them and their Iranian supporters." Kevin McCarthy, former Speaker of the House, condemned the attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israel and emphasized the need to support Israel's right to self-defense. Tom Emmer condemned the attacks by Hamas terrorists and reiterated Israel's right to defend itself. Jim Jordan condemned the terrorist attacks by Hamas and "Iran-backed extremists" against Israeli men, women, and children, praising the bipartisan support of American lawmakers for Israel and Israeli citizens. Dan Bishop, reacting to the terrorist attacks by Hamas and Islamic Jihad against Israel, said, "Biden just gave six billion dollars to Hamas's supporter, Iran." He stated that today innocent Israeli citizens paid with their lives for "his and Obama's incompetence." Mr. Bishop emphasized the need for U.S. support for Israel's right to defend itself. President Joe Biden reaffirmed the United States' strong support for Israel on the evening of Saturday, October 7, stating, "America stands with the people of Israel. We will never turn our backs on them." Speaking in front of television cameras at the White House, he added, "In this tragic moment, I want to tell the people of Israel, the world, and the terrorists wherever they are that America stands with the people of Israel, and we will never turn our backs on them. The people of Israel are under attack today. An organized attack by Hamas, a terrorist group. The world has witnessed horrific images. Thousands of rockets landed on Israeli cities within hours. This morning, I woke up to see that terrorists had attacked the territory of Israel, killing not only Israeli soldiers but also innocent civilian citizens. This is ruthless." Biden stated that he had spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and told him that America stands with the people of Israel against these terrorist attacks and that Israel has the right to defend itself and its people. Biden added, "Terrorist attacks in my administration will never be justified, and our support for Israel's security is unwavering and steadfast." The U.S. President said, "Now is not the time for any party opposing Israel to use these attacks for leverage. The world is watching. I have spoken with the King of Jordan, members of Congress, and other world leaders to ensure that Israel receives what it needs to defend itself." He continued, "Humanly, this is a horrific tragedy. Innocent people have been harmed, lives have been lost, and families have been torn apart. Jill and I are praying for the families affected by this violence. We sympathize with those who have lost loved ones. For many who have been injured, we hope for a speedy recovery." He concluded, "I will personally remain in contact with Mr. Netanyahu as long as this situation continues. Do not doubt that America stands with the state of Israel." Additionally, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated that the United States' commitment to Israel's right to self-defense remains unwavering. He expressed sympathy for the families of the victims of Hamas's terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians, stating that the United States will work in the coming days to ensure Israel has access to the necessary equipment to defend itself against violence and terrorism. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also strongly condemned the "horrific attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israel." Mr. Blinken expressed support for the government and people of Israel and conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased. Adrienne Watson, spokesperson for the National Security Council at the White House, also stated, "There is never any justification for terrorism." She added, "We stand firmly with the government and people of Israel and mourn the loss of Israelis in these attacks." According to Ms. Watson, Jake Sullivan, the National Security Advisor at the White House, spoke with his Israeli counterpart, and officials from both countries remain in close contact. Israel at war; Jason Brodsky: With the Islamic Republic, de-escalation in the Middle East is a mirage. Israel at war; Ilan Berman: The goal of Hamas and Islamic Jihad is to stop the normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Israel at war; Biden: America supports Israel against Hamas attacks. 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