Senator Ricketts’ Weekly Column: I Stand with Israel Against Iran & Hamas Terrorists
July 26, 2024
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently came to Washington to address Congress. The Prime Minister’s remarks were an important reminder of the mutual interests our nations share. Supporting Israel means an end to the barbaric terrorist group Hamas. Supporting Israel is the best way to secure the release of the remaining hostages, including American citizens. Supporting Israel is also the best way to stop Iran’s dream of imposing radical Islam on the world. “For Iran, Israel is first, America is next,” the Prime Minister said. He’s right, and it’s one reason why I will always stand with Israel.
In contrast, the Biden-Harris administration has repeatedly appeased the radical pro-Hamas elements of their base. These protestors have burned American flags, chanted anti-American slogans, and disrupted cities and college campuses across the country. The Director of National Intelligence even announced some of these pro-Hamas activists are being directly funded by Iran! No wonder Prime Minister Netanyahu called them “useful idiots” of Iran.
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have put these activists above our closest ally in the Middle East. In fact, President Biden had to be pressured to put a meeting on the calendar with the Israeli Prime Minister. That should have been a no-brainer. Vice President Harris, whose only constitutional duty is to preside over the Senate, skipped the speech to speak to a sorority. She abandoned her duty in a petty snub of Israel’s democratically elected leader. This is not how America should treat its allies.
These actions are part of a larger pattern. The Biden-Harris administration has consistently undermined Israel’s legitimate government. After taking office, they gave $730 million to UNRWA. UNRWA has been described as “effectively a branch of Hamas.” President Trump had ended U.S. taxpayer funding of UNRWA. Biden and Harris brought it back. As a result, American tax dollars directly supported Hamas terrorists in their attacks on our ally and our citizens.
At least 12 UNRWA employees – funded in part by Biden and Harris – directly participated in the barbaric terror attack on October 7th. Over 100 UNRWA employees have ties to Hamas or other Islamic Jihad terror groups. 1,200 Israelis were killed. Nearly two dozen American citizens were killed also. Many others were taken and held as hostages. Eight Americans are still being held hostage in Gaza today – 291 days after the October 7th attack.
The Biden-Harris administration has also pressured Israel towards a ceasefire instead of victory. A ceasefire without victory only enables the barbaric Hamas terrorists that have promised another attack like October 7th. That’s wrong. Israel is in a fight for its existence and survival. But it’s also in America’s interest for Israel to destroy Hamas. Hamas terrorists don’t just chant death to Israel. They chant death to America as well. Israel is doing the civilized world a favor in destroying Hamas. They need our continued support.
Biden and Harris have also repeatedly withheld or delayed critical shipments of weapons needed to destroy Hamas. They’ve attacked the legitimacy of Israel’s democratically elected leader. They’ve promised an “ironclad” relationship with Israel. Their actions don’t back that promise.
Nebraskans stand with Israel. I proudly stand with Israel. I will continue doing so until Israel completes its mission to free the hostages, bring justice to the terrorists, and restore peace. That’s the best solution for Israelis. That’s the best solution for Palestinians. That’s the best solution, period.
My team and I are here to serve you. Contact us anytime by phone at 202-224-4224. You can also view my website atwww.ricketts.senate.gov/contact.