Pete Ricketts: “I rise here today in support of our closest and longest standing ally in the Middle East, Israel, and also to prevent…”

“I rise here today in support of our closest and longest standing ally in the Middle East, Israel, and also to prevent American taxpayer dollars from supporting terrorism. On October 7, Hamas broke the cease-fire with a horrific and barbaric attack on Israel. Hamas terrorists crossed the border. They killed unarmed citizens, raped and mutilated women, burned children, beheaded soldiers, and kidnapped innocent civilians as well. That horrific attack demonstrates the barbarity of this terrorist organization. For those who call on a cease-fire for Israel to somehow sponsor this, I call on you to call on Hamas to surrender. Hamas must surrender. Israel cannot tolerate an organization on its border that is dedicated to destruction of its state. Hamas has said time and time again they will continue to attack Israel in this barbaric way. Hamas must be destroyed and the United States must support Israel. Israel will be doing the world a favor when Hamas is destroyed. On that day, 1,200 Israelis were killed. It included 33 Americans. Hundreds of people were kidnapped, many of whom have not been returned. I have been posting about the hostages since this terrible event has happened. These folks are mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, children. These folks are real people, and they must be returned. That is why it is so important that Hamas surrender, return the hostages, and the State of Israel must continue to defend itself until that happens.…”