House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) marked the half-year point since the deadly Hamas attack on Israeli soil by calling for an end to the “lecturing” of Israel as it fights the terrorist group.
His statement, released on Sunday, comes as a growing number of Democrats in Congress and the Biden administration increasingly criticize Israel for how it has conducted its campaign in Gaza and called for stopping the flow of U.S. arms.
“Today, of all days, Washington must be united in our support for our great ally, Israel, as they fight for their sovereignty and right to exist,” Johnson said.
“It’s time to stop lecturing Israel on how it should best defend itself and begin equipping our friend with the resources necessary to eliminate the threat of Hamas, once and for all,” he continued.
Although the U.S. has stuck to supplying weapons to Israel, the Biden administration opposes the plan for a Rafah ground operation and is pushing for a ceasefire.
With his support from the Left in jeopardy, Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week that further U.S. assistance would depend on steps taken to protect aid workers and civilians.
Six months ago today, Israelis suffered unspeakable violence and terror. Today, of all days, Washington must be united in our support for our great ally as they fight for their sovereignty and right to exist. pic.twitter.com/FbHYBxfqYH
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) April 7, 2024
Johnson said he joins Americans across the country in mourning the loss of the roughly 1,200 people killed in the October 7 attack.
“Since the massacre, it’s been appalling to watch anti-Israel rhetoric and support for an unconditional cease-fire grow among Democrats in Washington, even as Hamas holds Israelis and Americans hostage in Gaza,” Johnson said.
“Unlike our Democrat colleagues, House Republicans remain clear-eyed about who the enemy in this fight is, and we will not stop working and praying until each of the hostages is returned home,” he added.
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In the face of Biden’s disapproval, as well as a demand by the United Nations for a ceasefire, Netanyahu said on Sunday there would be no standing down until the hostage situation is resolved.
“Citizens of Israel, there is no war more just than this one, and we are determined to achieve total victory,” Netanyahu said, adding, “I have made it clear to the international community: There will be no ceasefire without the return of the hostages. It simply will not happen.”
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