NASHVILLE, TN—United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) joined Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), along with Representatives Diana Harshbarger (R-TN-01), Tim Burchett (R-TN-02), Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN-03), Scott DesJarlais (R-TN-04), Andy Ogles (R-TN-05), John Rose (R-TN-06), and Mark Green (R-TN-07), in sending a letter to President Joe Biden urging his Administration to support Israel however possible, including by providing any weapons and munitions necessary and punishing all involved in aiding the Hamas terrorists.
“This violent attack deserves a strong, unequivocal condemnation by the United States,” the members of Congress wrote. “Instead, while the attacks persisted and Israel was threatened, your administration initially issued a statement calling on Israel to “refrain from violence.” So far, the administration’s response has been far weaker than Israel—a shining beacon of democracy and our most important ally in the Middle East—deserves.”
“While this is not the first act of aggression by the Hamas terrorists against one of our greatest allies, it is certainly the boldest,” the members of Congress continued. “The failures of this administration on the world stage have no doubt emboldened those who would wish America and our allies harm. Reports indicate that U.S. arms abandoned during the disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal ended up in Hamas’ hands.2 This terrorist organization is also funded by the Iranian regime, the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism, whose coffers this administration has filled with over $6 billion in sanctions relief… The world needs American leadership, and this administration has left a void that the New Axis of Evil and terrorist groups like Hamas have already begun exploiting.”
“Over 75 years ago, the United States was the first nation to recognize the Jewish state of Israel and affirm its right to exist. Now, in the face of senseless attacks by Iran-backed Hamas terrorists, we must again stand with Israel and reaffirm its right to defend itself. The United States of America does not abandon its friends. We urge this administration to support Israel however possible, including by providing any and all weapons and munitions necessary, and to punish the terrorists who did this, along with those who aid them. We must act swiftly and strongly,” the members of Congress concluded.
A copy of the letter can be found here.
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