U.S. Lawmakers React to the Threat of an Islamic Republic Attack on Israel; Emphasis on Avoiding War Escalation

As the Iranian government's threats intensify and the likelihood of conflict escalation in the region increases, several U.S. lawmakers emphasized the need to prevent the spread of war and to work towards the release of hostages still held by Hamas in an interview with Voice of America. Senator Ben Cardin, the Democratic chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, stated on Thursday in an interview with journalist Shahla Arazasteh that they have made it clear that they will not tolerate the escalation of war, and Iran knows that its actions have consequences. Senator Cardin mentioned that they are pressuring Hamas, as the instigator of the war and violence against Israel, to release the hostages, adding, "We have called on the international community and countries that have influence over Hamas to put pressure on them to work for the release of hostages and to stop hostilities so that we can deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and free the hostages." He also noted, "Iran's support for Hamas and its attacks in the region have not stopped. However, we currently need the international community to seize this incredible opportunity to free the hostages and stop the war. These hostages should never have been taken, and the attack on October 7 should never have occurred." Senator Bob Casey, also a Democrat, expressed his concerns regarding the imminent threat of an Iranian attack in retaliation against Israel, stating that the Iranian regime has always been a source of concern for him. He added, "I have long said that Iran supports all the bad actors in that region of the Middle East, and I think this is evident every day of the week." Senator Casey emphasized, "We should be concerned about retaliation. Just as we have been worried about retaliation against our officials since the assassination of Qasem Soleimani in 2019. Therefore, I think the level of threat is concerning, and unfortunately, when it comes to the Iranian regime, we can never let our guard down." Senator Todd Young, a Republican, also shared his views on the imminent threat of an Iranian retaliatory attack against Israel, stating, "If the Iranians' effort is to deter us from helping Israel and protecting ourselves, they will fail. But we must take this threat very seriously, and the leadership and people of Iran must know that any American who is put at risk due to their actions, we must respond and we will respond." Republican Senator Thom Tillis referred to the Islamic Republic as the cancer of the Middle East, creating problems in the region, and emphasized that they must be held accountable. He stated, "If their culture preaches an eye for an eye, I think the direct and strong response from America should be to hold them accountable." In response to a question regarding the civilians in Gaza who have suffered heavy casualties, hunger, and suffering in the war against Hamas, Senator Tillis said, "I think President Biden is making a big mistake regarding whether the Prime Minister of Israel should take military action or not. And we should not interfere in the affairs of a democratic country that was not the instigator and responsible for the October 7 attack." This Republican senator expressed sympathy for those in Gaza who reject Hamas and identify it as a cancer that has spent hundreds of millions of dollars for its nefarious purposes, but stated, "I have no sympathy for anyone who thinks Hamas should remain in Gaza." Shahla Arazasteh began her journalistic career in the U.S. in 2000 with the Atlas Research Foundation and then joined Voice of America in 2007. The Israeli army has announced that it has begun "targeted operations" in the center of Gaza. Netanyahu stated that Israel is preparing for scenarios in "areas other than Gaza." Israeli media reported that military forces killed the sons of Haniyeh without informing Netanyahu and military commanders. A Lebanese national accused of transferring money from the Islamic Republic to Hamas was killed. Israel will allow the return of 150,000 Palestinians to northern Gaza in the event of a ceasefire. The Israeli Navy's air defense has "for the first time" shot down a drone. Israel is prepared to attack Iran's nuclear facilities in the event of a retaliatory attack from Tehran.