In light of the three-year anniversary of the HamasOct. 7 terror attack on Israel, lawmakers are calling for renewed resolve as Congress remains divided over the war in Gaza and the future of U.S. policy.
The anniversary comes as lawmakers reflect on the attack that reshaped the U.S.-Israel relationship and sparked a conflict that has continued to dominate debates on Capitol Hill and across Washington.
In 2023, Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel, killing more than 1,200 people and taking hostages. Two years later, lawmakers remain divided on the Israeli government’s military response.
Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) said Israel’s military efforts were a “necessary, measured and just response to the attack.”
“Over the last three years, Israel has demonstrated extraordinary courage, resolve and skill in destroying the Hamas terrorists who committed the Oct. 7 attack,” Sen. Cruz said. “And in dismantling the Iranian-controlled terrorist armies that the Iranian regime had built across the Middle East.”
Sen. Cruz called the anniversary a day of “mourning” and “for renewing resolve.”
“As I said immediately after the attack,” Sen. Cruz said. “I am committed to doing everything in my power and using every resource at my disposal to ensure that America's policy is absolutely unequivocal: to ensure Israel has the military and diplomatic support to utterly eradicate Hamas, for as long as it takes.”
But in the House of Representatives, Democrats have grown more opposed to the U.S.’s involvement with Israel. Representative Joaquin Castro (D-TX) has been one of the most vocal lawmakers in this effort, leading an effort to cut U.S. military aid to Israel.
Rep. Castro said the anniversary should honor the victims of Hamas’ attack, but added that Congress must also hold the Israeli government accountable for its actions since.
“Three years on, working toward peace is more urgent than ever,” Rep. Castro said. “Israelis and Palestinians alike deserve dignity, freedom and self-determination. I am committed to working with any partner who shares in the vision of the two peoples co-existing.”
