Risch: Biden-Harris Have Undercut Israelis in Time of Need

BOISE, Idaho - U.S Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) released the following statement regarding the Biden-Harris Administration's Middle East policy and a possible Iranian attack against Israel:

"The Biden-Harris Administration has consistently pursued policies that embolden America's adversaries and undercut our allies - no one should be surprised that we're bracing ourselves for an Iranian attack against Israel.

"After the horrific attacks of October 7, 2023, the administration restricted Israel's right to defend itself from the start. From suspending arms sales, to slowing sales already in the pipeline, to feckless calls for a ceasefire - the administration has undercut the Israelis during their greatest time of need.

"The administration continues to hold sales of 2,000 pound bombs and other tools the Israelis require. These weapons are absolutely necessary in the event of a wider war with Hezbollah. Instead of reinforcing Israeli deterrence, the administration is sending a message that 'the U.S. doesn't have your back.'

"Not only have President Biden and Vice President Harris deprived the Israelis of the military tools they need to get the job done, the administration's arms sales policies only serve to pander to the progressive left. Worse, these misguided policies send the signal to our allies and adversaries that America will not stand by our partners during their greatest need.

"Across the Middle East, the Biden-Harris Administration has consistently chosen appeasement instead of the tough policies required to keep the Iranian regime contained. Despite repeated warnings that the regime could not be talked or charmed out of existence, the Biden-Harris administration pursued years of feckless nuclear talks, dangerously unfroze billions of Iranian assets abroad, and consistently failed to establish deterrence that would protect Americans and our partners.

"Instead of rolling up its sleeves to counter Iran and support Israel, the Biden-Harris administration continues to engage in endless hand-wringing over the potential for escalation - paralyzed and self-deterred at every turn.

"The deaths of Hamas political leader Haniyeh, Fuad Shukr, and others are long overdue justice for the Israeli and American blood on their hands. Shukr, for example, was responsible for the 1983 Beirut bombing that killed 241 Americans.

"Yet, on the wake of these strikes, the Biden-Harris Administration has admonished our ally Israel, while doing nothing to increase pressure on Iran. President Biden and Vice President Harris have created an atmosphere in which Iran can act with impunity."

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