Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a terror attack on Israel Saturday, including thousands of rockets fired into Israeli territory, killing at least 100 Israelis and wounding nearly 1,000 others.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared war on the terrorists, vowing they will "will pay a price it has never known before."
Republicans, including some Alabama Republicans, blame the Biden administration's decision to release $6 billion in frozen Iran funds ahead of the Hamas attack on Israel.
"Alongside countless others across our nation, my family and I are praying for the people of Israel today," U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) said in a statement. "The barrage of barbaric terrorist attacks unleashed on Israel by ground, sea, and air is truly unprecedented in our time. I join my fellow Alabamians and Americans in condemning this heinous assault by Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists on innocent Israeli children, women, and men. Alabama and the United States stands with Israel – our greatest ally, friend, and partner. Israel has every right to defend itself and respond to these vicious terrorist attacks with overwhelming force."
"What the world is watching today is both tragic and foreseeable. Strength deters war, while weakness invites it. The Biden Administration since January 2021 has consistently empowered and enabled our greatest adversaries, including Iran – Israel's sworn enemy. Make no mistake—the people of Israel are paying the devastating price for President Biden's $6 billion ransom payment to Iran. The Administration announced that disastrous deal on the anniversary of 9/11, and now Israel is facing its own 9/11 at the hands of Iranian proxies. The Biden Administration's appeasement put blood in the water, and now it has more blood on its hands. Peace will only come through strength. In the face of growing hostile aggression, it is past time for this Administration to hold our adversaries accountable. The stability of the region and world, the security of our own homeland, and the safety of our communities and families depends on it."
Britt's U.S. Senate colleague, U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn), also tied Hamas' actions to Iran.
House Armed Services Committee chairman U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks) pledged U.S. support for Israel.
"I stand with the people of Israel in the face of the cold-blooded assault that Iran-backed Hamas terrorists have launched on their home," Rogers said in a statement sent out Saturday afternoon. "Israel has a steadfast right to defend itself against attacks on its people, and this barbaric attack will not go unanswered. The U.S. will continue to support our ally through robust security assistance which Israel utilizes in its self-defense. Israel remains the United States' closest ally in the Middle East – our prayers are with the people of Israel."
The other Republican members of Alabama's congressional delegation, including U.S. Reps. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville), Jerry Carl (R-Mobile), Barry Moore (R-Enterprise), Dale Strong (R-Huntsville) and Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) expressed similar notions about the United States backing Israel.
Alabama's lone Democrat, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham), did not condemn the Biden administration but stated her support for Israel.
Governor Kay Ivey declared Alabama's support for Israel in a tweet on Saturday, as well.
Jeff Poor is the editor in chief of 1819 News and host of "The Jeff Poor Show," heard Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon on Mobile's FM Talk 106.5. To connect or comment, email jeff.poor@1819News.com or follow him on Twitter @jeff_poor.
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