A bipartisan effort within the U.S. Congress, particularly within Texas congressional delegation, in support of Israel after the barbaric terrorist attack by Hamas that left 1,400 Israelis, Americans, and other foreign nationals, dead, continues to grow.
While Progressive members of the House Squad—Reps. Jamaal Bowman, Cori Bush, Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez—continue to condemn Israel’s military response to the unprovoked attack on October 7th and demand a ceasefire, most House Democratic lawmakers have also sided with Republicans in support of Israel.
House Republicans voted this week in support of appropriating $14.3 billion in aid to Israel.
“The United States has a moral duty and a national security urgency to aid Israel in defending herself,” said Rep. Frankel. “Make no mistake, Hamas terrorists and others in the region are out to destroy Israel and kill all Jews. We must send an unequivocal message to the world that we stand with Israel.”
Texas Politics reached out several members of Texas Republican congressional caucus for comment on the recent and very telling statement that Hamas leader Ghazi Hamad made about repeating the October 7 massacre
“We Will Repeat the October 7 Attack Time and Again Until Israel Is Annihilated; We Are Victims - Everything We Do Is Justified,” said Hamad as he vowed to launch "a second, a third, a fourth" attack until the Israel is "annihilated."
Members focused on the Iranian threat posed to American and Israeli interests, as the regime in Tehran has been funding Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad, and Hamas, in the region
🚨 Breaking: Hamas leader Ghazi Hamad says they will repeat October 7-like massacres until Israel is annihilated.
Now you understand why Israel must annihilate Hamas...pic.twitter.com/XaE973dzRr
— Dr. Eli David (@DrEliDavid) November 1, 2023
As House Democrats push President Joe Biden to pressure Israel in calling a ceasefire, Republicans side with Israel and their decision to continue their offensive against Hamas. Israelis contend that a ceasefire will only serve to protect Hamas and allow them to regroup,
“People that are claiming there needs to be a ceasefire need to WAKE up and realize that Hamas will stop at nothing until they destroy Israel. That is their entire charter and so-called purpose. Israel has the right to continue their fight against the murderous terrorists until they are eradicated, and the United States will stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel. Iran, the world’s number one exporter of terrorism, designates America as their top enemy, followed by Israel. All eyes are on Iran. We are watching VERY closely," stated Rep. Randy Weber.
“Any attempt at a ceasefire is asking Israel to stop defending themselves against Hamas terrorists. My recommendation to Israel is to continue to defend themselves and wipe Hamas off the face of the Earth. Humanity will be better for it.," added Rep. Troy Nehls.
“Israel should absolutely be allowed to continue to act in self defense,” said Rep. Pat Fallon. “So long as Hamas terrorists in Gaza continue to fire rockets indiscriminately and issue calls for genocide, there is no reason to inhibit Israel’s response. Israel is our greatest ally in the Middle East, and I fully support their decision to take aggressive military action in the interest of their national security.”
Former U.S. Navy fighter pilot Rep. Scott Franklin (R-FL) reiterated that a call for a ceasefire would only embolden and help the terrorists.
“I strongly support Israel as they defend themselves, and I am a cosponsor of the Israel Supplemental the House is considering this afternoon,” Rep. Franklin said. “Hamas has declared continued and repeated attacks, which is precisely why a ceasefire is wrong. Giving Hamas time to rearm and regroup would be an absolute failure by the Biden Administration. There is no negotiation with avowed terrorists whose stated goal is your total annihilation.”
Rep. Brian Mast (R), who after losing his legs in Afghanistan while serving in the U.S. Army, and who is also the only member of Congress to every wear a Israeli IDF uniform, also defended Israel’s right to defend itself.
“If someone attacks our troops, our people, takes them hostage, they should expect the sights of our rifles, and the guidance of our ordnance to be trained onto them,” stated Rep. Mast.
Israeli troops have already entered Gaza in the much anticipated military incursion. Thus far, about two dozen Israeli soldiers have been killed, while Hamas militants are being killed daily and by the busloads.
