Jackson Purchase News

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell called on President Biden to exercise American strength and defend U.S. personnel, interests, and allies in the Middle East. McConnell's remarks came in response to the recent Iran-backed attacks on American forces and interests in the region.

McConnell criticized President Biden's assertion that Iran was effectively deterred, despite the continued attacks. He mourned the loss of three American soldiers in a deadly attack in Jordan and emphasized the growing threat of Iran-backed terror in the Middle East.

"The Biden Administration's public hand-wringing and fear of escalation sends the wrong message to Tehran and other enemies of America," McConnell stated. He argued that the United States should not prioritize avoiding war or escalation at all costs, but rather compel Iran and its proxies to stop attacking American forces and preserve American influence in the region.

"To achieve this objective, we have to convince our adversaries that we are prepared to escalate and threaten their interests," McConnell added. He urged the Biden Administration to demonstrate that America's tolerance for attacks on U.S. forces has been exhausted.

McConnell called for the Administration to provide a briefing to Senators on the current situation in the Middle East and explain why their attempts to deter Iran and its proxies have been unsuccessful. He also criticized some of his colleagues for interfering in the internal politics of Israel and attempting to tie the country's hands in its fight against Hamas terrorists.

"It is increasingly clear that a headlong charge forward to a two-state solution puts the cart before the horse," McConnell stated. He emphasized the need for a partner in peace for Israel and leaders worthy of a Palestinian state.

McConnell also addressed the issue of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and its complicity with Hamas. He highlighted the links between UNRWA staff and terrorist activities, as well as the agency's failure to address the issue adequately. McConnell expressed his opposition to any legislation that would allow taxpayer dollars to fund UNRWA and reiterated the need to support Israel in removing Hamas from the equation.

In conclusion, McConnell urged President Biden to exercise American strength and defend U.S. personnel, interests, and allies in the Middle East. He called for a change in approach to Iran and its proxies and emphasized the importance of supporting Israel in its fight against terrorism.