Sens. Cruz, Scott, Republican Colleagues: Israel Deserves Full and Unequivocal US Support

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.) this week announced a resolution condemning the attacks against Israel by Hamas, an Iranian-backed and funded terrorist organization, and reaffirming the United States' unwavering commitment to our ally Israel and its right to take whatever means are necessary to stop the murder of its citizens and foreign nationals residing in Israel. This resolution is endorsed by the Republican Jewish Coalition and the Zionist Organization of America. Sen. Cruz intends to go to Israel in the coming days to assess what the country needs to protect their national security, which is closely entangled with American national security.

Upon introduction, Sen. Cruz said:

"Israel has not just the right but the obligation to defend its citizens and its territory against the Iran-backed Palestinian terrorists who are attacking its citizens and using civilians in Gaza, including journalists, as human shields. The United States must make it clear that it stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel, and the Biden administration has no place pressuring Israel to use restraint or equivocating Israel and Hamas. I am proud to join Sen. Scott on this resolution to ensure Congress is clear about our support of the State of Israel as they defend their people and their sovereignty."

Sen. Scott said:

"For decades, the people of Israel have endured unyielding attacks from terrorist groups, like Hamas, who wish to destroy the Jewish state and its people. Now, as thousands of rockets rain down, our resolve to stand with Israel must be stronger than ever. I want to be clear: no country, certainly not the United States, would tolerate attacks like these and not take whatever action is necessary to end them. As our great ally and the only shining example of democracy in the Middle East, Israel deserves our full support. The anti-Israel attacks and agenda I've seen pushed by supposed ‘leaders' like AOC and Senator Bernie Sanders are disgusting and antithetical to American ideals. Let's remember what we are witnessing: these are terrorists ruthlessly attacking an ally. Defense of these terrorists is unthinkable. Acts of aggression toward Israel will never be tolerated. I'm proud to lead a resolution reaffirming the United States' full and unapologetic support for Israel as it defends its citizens from these reprehensible attacks. It's time for President Biden to stop cowering to the anti-Israel radical left and remind these terrorists and the world of the United States' strong and unwavering support of the Israeli people."

Sen. Barrasso said:

"This resolution makes it clear that the American people stand by Israel, one of our strongest allies. Israel is under attack right now by Hamas and has every right to defend itself and its people. The United States needs to ensure Israel has the means necessary to continue to fight against any and all terrorist threats."

Sen. Blackburn said:

"Hamas' attempts to wipe Israel off the map cannot be ignored. We must reaffirm our commitment to Israel, our strongest ally in the region."

Sen. Boozman said:

"Israel has an indisputable right to defend itself and secure the safety of its people. As a key partner and strategic ally of the United States, the Jewish state must always be assured of our support. I'm pleased to join my colleagues in standing with Israel against Hamas' violent terrorist attacks and pledging our continued commitment to Israel's existence and security."

Sen. Capito said:

"Israel has every right to defend itself from attacks by terrorist organizations that are propped up by Iran, including Hamas. At this critical time, we must unapologetically convey to the world that the United States stands firmly with our friend and ally Israel. We remain steadfastly committed to our most important ally in the region, and support the people of the Jewish state in the face of these attacks."

Sen. Cotton said:

"Israel is our strongest ally. President Biden should unapologetically reaffirm U.S. support of Israel and its right to defend itself. The Left's moralistic calls for a ceasefire are little more than a propaganda win for Hamas."

Sen. Cramer said:

"Israel has every right to defend itself. Not only is it a strategic ally, it is a force for good in the world's most volatile region. No other nation would be expected to endure the constant onslaught of attacks from enemies who believe it should not exist. The world needs to know the United States stands united with Israel and opposed to the evil actions carried out by Hamas and backed by the Iranian regime. I call on President Biden to deliver a strong public statement in support of our democratic ally and friend."

Sen. Ernst said:

"Hamas is a deadly terrorist organization whose stated goal is the destruction of Israel, one of our strongest allies and the only democracy in the Middle East. Attacks on Israel and Israeli cities, towns and civilian centers at the hands of these terrorists cannot be tolerated. The United States must be clear: we stand with Israel and support their right to defend themselves."

Sen. Hawley said:

"Israel has every right to defend itself, and the United States must do everything it can to ensure Israel has what it needs to do so. I stand with Israel, and that is why I am proud to join this resolution."

Sen. Hoeven said:

"This resolution expresses our strong support for Israel and its right to self-defense. At the same time, we condemn Hamas and the terrorist attacks coming out of Gaza. The resolution makes it clear that we stand with our ally Israel."

Sen. Johnson said:

"Israel has every right to defend itself. The United States must continue to support our friend and ally as the Israelis defend themselves against Hamas' violent terrorist attacks. President Biden and his administration must stand unequivocally with our closest ally in the Middle East."

Sen. Lummis said:

"I stand with my colleagues in once again reaffirming Israel's right to defend itself against terrorists. When Iranian-backed terrorist groups like Hamas launch thousands of rockets indiscriminately at Israeli homes and infrastructure, the casualties are both Israelis and Palestinians. Israel is our closest ally in the Middle East and we will always stand in unwavering support."

Sen. Tillis said:

"Israel has every right to defend itself. The Hamas offensive must stop now. In continuing their assault on Israel, Hamas endangers the life of Israelis, as well as its own Palestinian citizens. As a vibrant democracy and close ally of the United States, it is imperative the Biden administration support our historic relationship with Israel in their time of need. President Biden must reaffirm his commitment to protecting Israel, and I am proud to join this resolution to further demonstrate my unwavering support for the people of Israel."

Sen. Young added:

"Israel has the right to defend itself from Hamas' terror attacks. I continue to stand with Israel, and I'm hopeful that Israel's actions will neutralize Hamas' rocket attacks and cease their terrorism of the people of Israel. Just eight months ago, unprecedented peace was breaking out in the Middle East. The regime in Iran was nearing financial collapse and the historic Abraham Accords were paving the way for prosperity. We must act now to help restore peace in the region by cutting off those in Iran who funnel support to their terrorist proxy forces in Gaza."

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