Widespread Support from American Legislators for Israel Following Attacks on Islamic Republic Positions in Iran

Following Israel's "precise and targeted" attacks on military targets of the Islamic Republic in various regions of Iran on the morning of Saturday, November 5, a number of American lawmakers emphasized Israel's right to self-defense, with some calling for "clear and decisive support" from the Biden administration for Israel. Mike Johnson, the Speaker of the House of Representatives: We will fully support Israel. In response to Israel's attacks on the positions of the Islamic Republic, Republican Speaker Mike Johnson stated that alongside the attacks of our "ally" in self-defense, the U.S. Congress must "decisively" defend Israel. He clarified that the world must know that if the Islamic Republic continues its violence, "we will fully support Israel." Mike Pence, former Vice President of the United States: America supports Israel. Senator Tim Scott: Israel is our "great ally". Tim Scott, Republican Senator from South Carolina, wrote in a post on "X": "America stands shoulder to shoulder with its great ally Israel against terror." Senator Dan Sullivan: The Islamic Republic only understands the language of force. Dan Sullivan, Republican Senator from Alaska, in response to Israel's attacks on the positions of the Islamic Republic, stated that the Biden-Harris administration must loudly and clearly say that America supports Israel. He continued that the United States should commend Israel for doing the "difficult and dangerous" work of re-establishing deterrence. Senator Thom Tillis: I support Israel. Thom Tillis, Republican Senator from North Carolina, in response to Israel's attacks on the positions of the Islamic Republic, stated that alongside Israel's response to the "terrorist regime" of the Islamic Republic, he supports Israel. Senator James Lankford: Israel has the right to defend itself. James Lankford, Republican Senator from Oklahoma, in a message on "X", while reposting a statement from the Israeli army spokesman regarding the attacks on the positions of the Islamic Republic, stated: "Israel has the right to defend itself." Senator Josh Hawley: Without financial and military support from the Islamic Republic, the Hamas terrorist attack would never have happened. Josh Hawley, Republican Senator from Missouri, in an interview with Fox News regarding the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, emphasized that without financial and military support from the Islamic Republic, that attack would never have occurred. He reminded that the Islamic Republic's terrorist proxy groups carried out that attack and expanded the scope of this war against Israel. Senator Kevin Cramer: Israel has every right to defend itself. Kevin Cramer, Republican Senator from North Dakota, in response to Israel's attacks on the positions of the Islamic Republic, stated that Israel has every right to defend itself against those who seek its destruction. Senator Ted Budd: The Islamic Republic only understands the language of force. Ted Budd, Republican Senator from North Carolina, in response to Israel's attacks on the positions of the Islamic Republic, reminded that since October 7, Israel has faced a series of attacks from the Iranian government and its terrorist groups. He continued that Israel's current response to the Islamic Republic was through the only thing this regime understands: force. Senator Budd concluded: "America supports Israel." Senator Marsha Blackburn: I fully support Israel. Marsha Blackburn, Republican Senator from Tennessee, in response to Israel's attacks on the positions of the Islamic Republic, stated that as Israelis defend themselves against the Iranian government and its proxies, "I fully support Israel." Senator John Barrasso: America supports Israel. John Barrasso, Republican Senator from Wyoming, in response to Israel's attacks on the positions of the Islamic Republic, stated that America supports Israel. Senator Joni Ernst: America must support Israel. Senator Joni Ernst criticized the current policy of the Biden administration in a post on "X", stating that America, instead of "making vague statements" to allies and "emboldening enemies", must stand alongside Israel. Senator Rick Scott: I hope Israel destroys all military targets and the "anti-American" government of the Islamic Republic. Rick Scott, Republican Senator from Florida, also criticized the Biden administration's approach regarding "interfering with Israel's strategic responses". Senator Deb Fischer: Israel's retaliatory action against the Islamic Republic of Iran was legitimate and necessary. Deb Fischer, Republican Senator from the U.S. Senate, stated on "X" that Israel's retaliatory action against the positions of the Islamic Republic of Iran was not only legitimate but necessary. She emphasized that without such consequences, the Iranian regime would not think twice about continuing its attacks against Israel's right to exist. Senator Fischer emphasized that America stands with Israel. Senator Pete Ricketts supports Israel's right to defend itself against the Iranian government. Pete Ricketts, Republican Senator, wrote on "X" that he "fully supports Israel's right to defend itself against Iran". Along with this post, he shared the words of Daniel Hagari, the spokesman for the Israeli army, who said that "in response to months of continuous attacks from the Iranian regime", the Israeli government "like any other independent country in the world, has the right and duty to respond." Senator Bob Casey: The Iranian regime seeks to destroy Israel. Bob Casey, Democratic Senator, wrote on "X" that the Iranian regime seeks to destroy Israel through financial support and emboldening terrorist groups Hamas and Hezbollah. He emphasized that the United States stands with Israel to defend itself. Mike Waltz, U.S. Congressman: Israel did not attack Khark Island and Natanz facilities. Mike Waltz noted in a post on "X" that "Khark Island, from which 80% of Iran's oil exports are conducted, was not targeted". He added that conducting the attack would cause oil prices to rise just before next month's U.S. presidential election. Mr. Waltz also wrote that the Natanz nuclear facilities were not targeted by Israel's attack. This U.S. Congressman emphasized that conducting these attacks might be Israel's last best opportunity to strike the Islamic Republic's nuclear program and also close its revenue streams. Brian Mast, U.S. Congressman: Israel shows Tehran and its proxy groups that they cannot kidnap without paying a price. Brian Mast, Republican Congressman, wrote on "X" that Israel shows the Islamic Republic of Iran and its proxy groups that "they cannot kidnap without paying a price." He added: "Israel shows that Iran cannot launch missiles at civilians without consequences." This Congressman referred to the missile attacks of the Islamic Republic of Iran and its proxy groups against Israel. Mr. Mast emphasized that "killing Iranian terrorists is the only appropriate response to Iran's terrorism." Cory Mills, U.S. Congressman: Israel's attacks are legitimate. Cory Mills, Republican Congressman, wrote on "X": "Israel's right to defend itself includes all militant terrorist groups and their supporters" and added: "Attacks on military targets in Iran are not only legitimate but also necessary for the protection of Israeli citizens." He called for the United States to remain steadfast in its commitment to "supporting its greatest ally in the Middle East, Israel." Joe Biden, President of the United States, has repeatedly stated that America's support for Israel is "strong and unwavering." Carlos Gimenez, U.S. Congressman: Israel defends itself against a "murderous and terrorist regime" in Iran. Carlos Gimenez, Republican legislator from Florida, wrote on "X": "I fully support our ally, the democratic and Jewish state of Israel, as it defends itself against a 'murderous and terrorist regime' in Iran." Mark Alford, U.S. Congressman: America stands with Israel. Mark Alford, Republican Congressman, wrote on "X": "America stands with Israel and defends its citizens and borders." He wrote: "Israel's precise attacks tonight are a direct response to nearly 200 ballistic missiles that Iran fired towards Israel, and this evil regime continuously acts through ruthless terrorists." Brad Schneider, U.S. Congressman: The Iranian regime must understand that it cannot continue its policies without severe consequences. Brad Schneider, member of the U.S. House of Representatives, wrote on "X" regarding Israel's attack on the morning of November 5 that he "hopes that Israel's operations are successful and that the Iranian regime finally understands that it cannot continue its support for terror and threats against Israel or the broader region without severe consequences." He added: "America stands with Israel while exercising its right and responsibility to defend its citizens and protect its borders." Mr. Schneider noted that Israel targeted military sites in direct response to Iran's attack and wrote that last month, the Iranian regime fired 200 ballistic missiles towards Israel. The Israeli Defense Forces launched extensive attacks against military targets of the Islamic Republic in Iran on the morning of November 5. These attacks, which the Israeli army stated were in response to Iran's missile attacks on Israel on October 1, were conducted in several waves with the participation of over 100 fighter jets. According to the Jerusalem Post, this operation focused on key military infrastructures of the Islamic Republic, including missile and drone production facilities, ballistic missile launchers, and air defense systems. Israeli sources stated that these attacks were aimed at weakening the military capabilities of the Iranian government and preventing future attacks from them. These attacks were accompanied by the sound of massive explosions in Tehran and several other cities. Some news sources also reported the activation of the Islamic Republic's air defense and sporadic clashes. Meanwhile, Iranian state media attempted to downplay these attacks and emphasized that oil and petrochemical facilities were not targeted. While state media tried to downplay Israel's attacks on Saturday morning, some domestic news sources confirmed that several military bases in Tehran and the west of the country were targeted. Additionally, air defense systems in some areas were activated, and reports of explosions in Parchin and Kermanshah were published. Another view of the Israeli attack and air defense activity in the sky southeast of Tehran. User reactions to Israel's attacks on the positions of the Islamic Republic: "The Iranian regime is caught in a chain reaction trap." Reports: Government agencies in Iran have halted "currency exchanges". Washington Post: Israel's attacks were designed to minimize casualties and prevent escalation. The United States urged the Iranian government to stop attacks on Israel to break the cycle of war. Israel's warning to the Islamic Republic after the end of the "retaliatory attacks": "Do not escalate tensions further."