Jackson Purchase News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered remarks on the Senate floor today regarding Israel.

“Tomorrow, the Capitol will welcome Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the democratically elected leader of America’s closest ally in the Middle East, to address a joint meeting of Congress for the fourth time,” McConnell stated.

He emphasized the significance of this visit amid what he described as "a pivotal moment for the U.S.-Israel alliance and for Israel’s war against savage Iran-backed terrorists." He characterized this conflict as existential for Israel and a test of America's reliability and a challenge to the free world.

McConnell expressed disappointment that some leaders would not attend Netanyahu's address. “The Vice President, who traditionally presides over joint sessions of Congress, apparently can’t spare the time to demonstrate even symbolic support for the only democracy in the Middle East,” he said.

According to McConnell, symbolism is insufficient. He asserted that Israel deserves "the time, space, and material support to guarantee its security and defeat the terrorists who started this war."

McConnell criticized what he sees as inconsistencies in U.S. policy towards Israel under the current administration. He argued that actions such as withholding military assistance and micromanaging military operations have compounded challenges faced by Israel. Additionally, he pointed out issues within American politics: “Washington Democrats have struggled to forcefully condemn the scourge of anti-Semitism and terrorist sympathy running rampant across university campuses and throughout the American left.”

Reflecting on recent history, McConnell blamed several policies from President Biden's administration for emboldening adversaries like Iran. He cited attempts to return to a nuclear deal with Iran and rescinding terrorist designations among other actions that signal weakness according to him.

McConnell connected these policies with recent violence: “This weekend’s deadly strike in Tel Aviv was the latest in more than 200 Houthi attacks on Israeli soil since October 7th.” He attributed these attacks directly or indirectly to Iranian influence: “We’re talking about a campaign coordinated by master terrorists in Tehran.”

Finally, McConnell linked regional instability with broader geopolitical threats involving Russia, China, and North Korea challenging American-led order globally.

“Prime Minister Netanyahu deserves our attention," concluded McConnell. "And Israel deserves a friend that lives up to the name.”