Ohio Senator JD Vance (R-OH) released a statement Saturday denouncing Hamas’ “brutal” terrorist attack on Israel, saying it is vital that the U.S. “stand with our allies in Israel.”
— J.D. Vance (@JDVance1) October 7, 2023
“The horrible terrorist attacks launched by Hamas are an act of war,” Vance said. “We must unequivocally condemn these heinous acts of violence against innocent civilians and the Iranian regime for funding the terrorists who carried them out.”
“Today, it is of utmost importance that the United States stand with our allies in Israel and offer our prayers for the victims of these attacks,” Vance added. “We must also recognize the intent behind these acts of war. As our allies in Israel strive for peace in the Middle East, the Iranians hope these attacks will undermine the progress our allies have made toward stability in the region.”
“Israel has a right to self-defense – that includes striking back with overwhelming force against their enemies. Now as ever, we must support our allies in their fight for freedom and security. May God watch over them,” the Republican senator concluded.
Vance’s statement comes as the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel early Saturday morning. Shortly after, Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu declared his country “at war.”
“We are at war. In war, one needs to be level-headed. I call on all citizens of Israel to unite in order to achieve our highest goal – victory in the war,” Netanyahu said.
President Joe Biden said he spoke with Netanyahu Saturday morning hours after the attacks, writing in a social media post, “I offered our support and reiterated my unwavering commitment to Israel’s security.”
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin also reaffirmed support for Israel, saying, “Our commitment to Israel’s right to defend itself remains unwavering…Over the coming days the Department of Defense will work to ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself and protect civilians from indiscriminate violence and terrorism.”
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Ohio Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
