Visit of American Senators to Israel on the Anniversary of Hamas Attack

Lindsey Graham, senior Republican senator, stated on Monday that if the Iranian government acquires nuclear weapons, the question will be whether it will use them against the U.S., Israel, or Saudi Arabia. He made this statement while visiting Israel as part of a bipartisan delegation of American senators on the first anniversary of the October 7 terrorist attack. During a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he emphasized that the U.S. cannot allow the Islamic Republic to obtain nuclear weapons and will assist Israel in this regard. Graham's comments come amid speculation about the possibility of an Israeli attack on Iran's nuclear facilities in response to last week's missile attack by the Iranian government on Israel. In an implicit criticism of recent remarks by French President Emmanuel Macron regarding the need to stop sending weapons used in Gaza to Israel for a ceasefire, he stated that those seeking the destruction of Israel also desire the destruction of the French people, and therefore, France's support for Israel should be increased. Graham also stressed the need for the return of Israeli refugees in the north and south of the country to their homes, urging Netanyahu to do whatever is necessary for their return. Senior Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal expressed sympathy for the Israeli people on this 'painful' day, stating, 'We all in the United States deeply understand that [October 7] was a completely brutal and inhumane attack against Jews.' He added, 'We are here to say we support Israel and that Israel has the right to defend itself.' At the beginning of the meeting, Netanyahu thanked Senators Graham and Blumenthal for their visit, recalling that October 7 was 'the worst attack against Jews since the Holocaust,' but unlike the Holocaust, Jews can now defend themselves. He continued by expressing gratitude for the support of the U.S. government and people, as well as these two senators throughout the war. Simultaneously, senior American officials, including President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, along with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, released separate statements expressing sympathy for the victims of the October 7 terrorist incident and reaffirming U.S. support for Israel against the Iranian government and its proxies. From Khamenei to oil facilities; potential Israeli targets according to an American general. Blinken: The international community should condemn the Iranian government's support for terrorist groups. Hezbollah targeted Israel on the anniversary of the October 7 terrorist attack; increasing concerns about instability in the Middle East. Israel attacked targets in Gaza and Beirut on the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack. Gallant warns the Iranian government: You may face the fate of Gaza and Beirut. A senior U.S. State Department official: Israel has made no guarantees not to target nuclear facilities in Iran.