Israel is fighting for its existence – US support must remain ironclad

When bombs destroyed Pearl Harbor…

When gas chambers filled the lungs of innocent people…

When planes toppled the Twin Towers…

When explosives erupted at the Boston Marathon…

The enemy was not celebrated.

Yet, we have watched in horror as that sentiment has seemingly been lost. On October 7, 2023, sounds of music at a local Israel festival were replaced by screams and violence as Hamas attacked, murdered, and took innocent people hostage. It marked the deadliest day in the country’s history and the largest massacre of Jewish people since the Holocaust. The attack didn’t cease on that day. At this very moment, people, including American citizens, remain held in captivity.

While most would think the grim situation couldn’t get worse, we have been appalled to see Americans seemingly extol support of terrorists who perpetrated this attack and openly chant “death to Israel, death to America.” This is not hyperbole. Rising antisemitism has been seen at US college campuses, at protests and rallies, and in incidents streamed on social media. While some have fallen silent, we will not. Antisemitic rhetoric, much less actions, has no place in this world, and it’s critically important to the security and strength of both of our nations that the US-Israel relationship remains strong.

As we reflect on the end of Hanukkah, we recognize this dark period of history – but we also remember the light of unity and hope the menorah represents. The lessons of this holy time remind us of a continued way forward.

The US must remain in lockstep with Israel and other regional allies in efforts to eradicate the forces of evil that threaten the safety and security of our nations.

America First doesn’t mean America alone – it means we lead with strength alongside our allies. The Middle East is a tinderbox of tension, with evil aggressors looking to flex their arsenals and unleash chaos – not just in the region, but around the world. It’s exactly why, mere months ago, we traveled to meet with Israeli officials and leaders from Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia to enhance our tactical understanding of ongoing conflicts and discuss mutual objectives to achieve peace and security in the region. The deepening of our security partnerships, through diplomatic visits, is crucial to the safety of the American people.

Despite the strength of its people, the current assessment of the war in Israel is dire. Men, women, young boys and girls, the elderly, and even infants remain as hostages, having spent over a year in captivity. Israel also faces ongoing attacks from Iran and their regional proxies, such as Hezbollah and the Houthis, whose brazen attacks have most recently threatened the lives of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Latest warnings from Iran of retaliatory attacks include threats in direct response to the Israeli Defense Forces’s recent strikes that have resulted in the deaths of many Iranian officers and multiple top Hamas and Hezbollah commanders, including Ibrahim Aqil, the Hezbollah commander responsible for the 1983 bombings in Beirut that killed hundreds of American military and government personnel. Israel is on the brink of full-scale war. It is now when our ironclad relationship faces its greatest test.

To be successful in the fight against this axis of terror, Israel needs munitions and unwavering support from allied countries. The United States, through the passage of multiple bills to support our great ally, has made its stance clear. We have provided support for Israel’s missile defense, including for the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow systems, artillery, and munitions procurement through the Foreign Military Financing Program, and support of US military operations responding to Iranian-backed terror.

American support for Israel has undoubtedly moved the needle in the fight against terrorism and bad actors in the region, but we can’t stop there. The United States must remain in lockstep with Israel and other regional allies in efforts to eradicate the forces of evil that threaten the safety and security of our nations. We must not overlook the increased volatility from Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. Iran remains intent on retaliating for the 2020 elimination of General Soleimani and has outwardly stated their objective to polarize American society through cyber-attacks that would target our public safety and the integrity of our infrastructure systems. As Iran and its proxies become more empowered, the United States should also be concerned about the heightened threat posture posed by Russia and China, as these forces combined, enable one another’s aggression towards the United States and our allies. If Israel is not successful in their fight against terror, America will lose an ally in a region that is already a hotbed of discontent for the United States.

As Chairman and both returning and new members of the House Committee on Appropriations, we and our congressional colleagues have a vital role to play in ensuring peace through strength. Distance doesn’t insulate us from attack, and we must be prepared on all fronts. What we have seen in Israel is a stark reminder to be vigilant and prepared, and ensure our alliances are strong.

–

Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) and Representatives John Rutherford (R-FL) and Mark Alford (R-MO) will all be members of the House Appropriations Committee during the 119th Congress.