Central ND News

During remarks delivered on the floor of the U.S. Senate this week, Senator John Hoeven emphasized the importance of delivering military assistance to Israel and ensuring the complete defeat of Hamas. The senator criticized the Biden administration’s decision to withhold weapon systems and other assistance to Israel and highlighted two pieces of legislation he is cosponsoring to strengthen U.S. support for this ally.

"On October 7, Hamas committed appalling atrocities against Jews in southern Israel. I went to Israel one month later to show my support for our close ally during this very dark hour. I am still proud to stand with Israel. But I am very concerned about the Biden administration’s decision to hold up weapons that need to be delivered to Israel," said Hoeven.

"If we truly mean 'never again' then the only path forward is for Israel to win the war. And that is why it is so important that we give Israel the tools it needs to win the war as soon as possible. Destroying Hamas means allowing Israel to reestablish security for its people. Destroying Hamas also means it can no longer terrorize and repress the people of Gaza. If we are concerned about the lives of Jews and Gazans, the sooner Hamas is defeated, the better."

Hoeven argued that limiting military assistance would prolong a conflict that Israel must win, resulting in greater loss of life among both Israelis and Gazans.

"Delaying or halting military aid also sends the wrong message to both our allies and our adversaries," Hoeven continued. "Our allies, like Israel, rightly wonder whether U.S. promises will be kept when times get tough. Our adversaries, like Hamas and Iran, wonder whether they can manipulate us into failure."

He further warned that hesitation could incentivize adverse behaviors: "If Hamas survives, it will certainly seize more hostages in the future... The administration may believe that pausing military assistance will save lives or limit suffering, but it will only sowing [sic] the seeds of future conflict."

"There is no substitute for victory over Hamas," concluded Hoeven. "Congress has provided the resources to support our ally Israel, and I call upon the administration to keep our promises, act according to the will of the American people and accept nothing less than the complete destruction of Hamas.”

###