Pete Ricketts: “I rise today to join my colleagues in expressing my complete support for the State of Israel and the war against Hamas…”

“I rise today to join my colleagues in expressing my complete support for the State of Israel and the war against Hamas terrorists. There was a cease-fire in place prior to October 7. Hamas broke that cease-fire. Hamas attacked Israel and murdered over 1,200 Israelis and Americans. They also took hundreds of hostages, including Americans as well. Hamas is responsible for every death on October 7 and every death since that day. They need to surrender. Hamas must surrender. If Hamas surrenders and releases the hostages, aid can freely flow into Gaza to support the Gazans. Instead, Hamas continues to prosecute this war. In fact, after October 7, they said they would continue to do atrocities like October 7, if given the chance. They will continue to try to destroy Israel. They will continue to murder Israeli citizens. They just don't chant ``Death to Israel.'' They chant ``Death to America'' as well. Terror groups like Hamas and Hezbollah represent an existential threat to Israel. They have repeatedly declared their intention to wipe Israel off the map. Israel has the right and the obligation to destroy the terrorist group Hamas. They must have the ability to defend themselves. And they will be doing the world a favor by destroying Hamas. We need to support Israel and their efforts to do just that.…”