Fourth District Focus: The United States must stand with Israel against Hamas

The other week, I had the pleasure of meeting with members of Iowans Supporting Israel – an incredible non-profit organization of Iowans who are passionate advocates of U.S.-Israel relations -and recounting my recent trip to Israel as part of a congressional delegation. I also had the opportunity to answer very thoughtful questions about the need to continue supporting Israel and the threat that Hamas and terrorists everywhere pose to our world.

In Congress, I have been—and will continue to be—a very strong supporter of our alliance with Israel. The horrific attacks of October 7th should not be forgotten or overlooked. The violence and barbarism of Hamas is sickening. That’s why I have been working tirelessly with my colleagues to give the Israeli people our unwavering support.

Like I noted above, I visited Israel in June with some of my fellow members of Congress. We saw firsthand the food, water, medical supplies, and other aid that Israel itself has attempted to deliver to Gaza only to be railroaded by the United Nations and other unnecessary bureaucracy. On this visit, we also had the opportunity to meet with the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli president, and other Israeli officials to strengthen our already ironclad alliance with Israel.

Over the last year, I have voted to give the people of Israel the tools that they need to defend themselves from vicious Hamas terrorists and condemned the senseless murder of innocent Israelis. In May of this year, I voted for the Israel Security Assistance Support Act, requiring President Biden to deliver the military aid that Congress already approved to Israel without any further delay. Our demands were heard, and the aid was eventually sent – albeit late.

This reckless betrayal of trust isn’t just coming from the Biden-Harris administration. In August, I co-sponsored the Stand with Israel Act. This legislation holds the United Nations accountable if Israeli membership is downgraded, challenged, or otherwise restricted.

As the United Nations, anti-Israel politicians, and college campuses turn against our strongest ally in the Middle East, it is refreshing to hear from Iowans leading the charge to maintain a strong relationship with the Israeli people. It’s important to make it clear—Israel is not alone, and we will always stand by their side.