Today, as Israelis commemorated the first anniversary of October 7 and honored the men, women and children brutally killed and kidnapped on that dark day, American leaders from both sides of the aisle attended memorial services and issued statements standing with our ally Israel.
President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and lit a Yahrzeit candle in the White House. "On this solemn anniversary, we honor the indomitable spirit of the Jewish people and the survivors carrying wounds, seen and unseen, who will never be the same."
"It's been 365 days since the world watched in horror as Hamas terrorists carried out their barbaric attack on innocent Israelis in the worst assault on the Jewish people since the Holocaust," Speaker of the House Mike Johnson said. "Today, as Hamas continues to hold hostages in Gaza, including four Americans… [we must] stand with Israel in its fight against terror and to work for the swift return of all those held captive by Hamas."
"Throughout this past year, we have been reminded of the painful reality that Israel and the Jewish people are in a constant struggle for their existence. Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran and its proxies seek the destruction of Israel. We will not let them succeed," House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries added. "Our support for the State of Israel, its right to defend herself and to exist as a Jewish and democratic state is enduring and will remain bipartisan."
"Hamas displayed such viciousness on that horrible day to try to scare the Israeli people, the American people and freedom-loving people of the world into submission — but they failed," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stated. "We will never forget."
"Time has not dulled the pain inflicted on the people of Israel one year ago today, nor eased the grief left in its wake," Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell added. "The stakes of Israel’s fight against the terrorists surrounding it are as clear today as they were one year ago. So are the obligations of free societies across the civilized world. The terrorists and their patrons seek not only to destroy Israel, but to challenge the very American-led order that preserves our way of life."
Throughout the past year, we’ve redoubled our commitment to ensuring that America stands shoulder-to-shoulder with our democratic ally. Thanks in part to our work together, the overwhelming majority of Democrats and Republicans in Washington are resolute in their support for Israel and a strong U.S.-Israel relationship. Since last October, Congress has approved more than $18 billion in security assistance to Israel, including the largest aid package in Israel’s history.
The coming months and years will not be easy, but we will never be deterred. Just as we have for the past year, our community will do everything it can to match the strength, spirit and determination of the Israeli people.
U.S., Israeli defense officials meet as Israel prepares response to Iran
In the wake of Iran’s unprecedented ballistic missile attack on Israel and the U.S. administration’s promise of "severe consequences" for the regime, senior American and Israeli defense officials are meeting this week as Israel prepares its response.
Yesterday, the Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), General Michael "Erik" Kurilla, met in Israel with IDF Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi. "The general’s visit dealt with the security issues at hand, with an emphasis on Iran and the northern front," the IDF said.
"Before departing, I reiterated the strength of our ironclad military-to-military commitment between CENTCOM and the Israeli Defense Forces," Kurilla said in a statement today. "We will continue to consult with our Israeli partners about their defense and how to monitor and counter further threats like the one that took the lives of so many on Oct. 7."
The Pentagon announced that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant would meet in Washington on Wednesday to "further discuss ongoing security developments in the Middle East."
America must back Israel’s right to defend itself, support our ally as it confronts Iran and its proxies on seven fronts, and ensure the regime faces severe consequences for its blatant act of aggression.
Retired U.S. generals and admirals on 10/7 anniversary
Today, 85 retired U.S. generals and admirals released a joint statement standing with Israel against the shared threat posed by Iran and its terror proxies.
"A year after the savagery of October 7, we reaffirm our friendship and bond with the State of Israel — and urge all Americans to stand with Israel against Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, and the enemies of civilization. Israel may be on the frontlines of this civilizational fight, but it is America's fight as well."
You can read the full letter and see the list of signatures here.
America must hold Qatar accountable
As Iran and its proxies fire ballistic missiles at our ally and attack U.S. troops, Iran's president says Qatar is working to release $6 billion to the Iranian regime.
The report comes after Qatar hosted a meeting between Iran’s president and Hamas leaders.
America should reevaluate Qatar’s status as a U.S. Major Non-NATO Ally.
Picture of the Day: Bipartisan Senate delegation to Israel
Today, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met in Jerusalem with a bipartisan delegation of U.S. Senators led by Sens. Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal.
"I deeply appreciate the visit by Senators Graham and Blumenthal on this day of commemoration, October 7th. It was the worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust, but unlike the Holocaust, we fight back," Netanyahu said.
"We’re fighting like lions with the support of the American government and the American people, and its representatives here. I want to thank you both for your stellar support for Israel throughout the war."
The mission of AIPAC is to encourage and persuade the U.S. government to enact specific policies that create a strong, enduring and mutually beneficial relationship with our ally Israel.
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