Washington D.C. – In a show of solidarity with the Israeli people, U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) joined a group of Republican senators at a press conference led by Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) to condemn Hamas’ recent wave of brutal attacks in Israel. The senators expressed their unequivocal support for the Israeli people as they respond to these attacks with overwhelming force.
Since the commencement of Hamas’ attacks on October 7, more than 1,400 Israelis have lost their lives, and hundreds of individuals, including a tragic number of children, have been taken hostage by the organization. Additionally, the attacks have claimed the lives of at least 30 American citizens, with an additional 13 reported as missing.
The press conference featured Senator Katie Britt and Senator Marsha Blackburn, as well as several other notable Republican senators, including Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-S.Dak.), Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Roger Marshall (R-Kans.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), and Pete Ricketts (R-Nebr.).
Senator Britt took the opportunity to express her thoughts on the situation, commending Senator Blackburn for her prompt and effective leadership in addressing the crisis. She highlighted the gravity of the situation, calling it “pure evil,” regardless of one’s perspective as a parent, an American, or simply a human being. The senator emphasized the need for the United States to confront evil and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel in their efforts to eliminate Hamas terrorists.
The horrors of the conflict, including the use of children as human shields, were underscored by Senator Britt as she urged those who hadn’t witnessed it to watch the disturbing footage and listen to the accounts of reporters who have experienced the aftermath of these atrocities.
In her remarks, Senator Britt called for more significant action from the Biden Administration beyond merely freezing the $6 billion headed to Iran. She stressed the importance of squeezing any financial resources that might reach Iran and working with G7 partners to reestablish a position of “maximum pressure” through bone-crushing sanctions to cut off the flow of funding to Iran.
Iran, the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism, has expressed intentions to erase Israel from the map. Senator Britt stressed the need for leadership to hold Iran accountable, recognizing the grave threats it poses.
In closing, Senator Britt expressed her solidarity with the American people and those suffering in Israel. She assured her readiness to do everything possible to ensure the safety and prosperity of the Israeli people while holding those responsible for these acts accountable.
The senator’s stance aligns with her previous efforts, including joining a letter led by Senator Blackburn to call on the Biden Administration to re-freeze the $6 billion payout to Iran as part of a hostage swap agreement. Senator Britt has consistently raised concerns that such deals may incentivize future hostage-taking.
Additionally, the senator has sent letters with her colleagues to address various aspects of U.S. policy regarding Iran and its potential impact on regional security. Her visit to Israel earlier this year provided firsthand insight into the threats posed by Iranian-backed terrorists and the complex situation in the region.
