U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, released a statement marking the second anniversary of the October 7 terrorist attacks on Israel.
“In the two years since terrorists invaded Israel to rape, murder, and kidnap innocents, Hamas has chosen every day to compound needless suffering. Israeli hostages and Gazan civilians, alike, have died as a direct result of the cowardly tactics of Iran’s allies and proxies,” McConnell said.
He contrasted Israel’s actions with those of Hamas, stating: “By contrast, Israel’s military and security services have worked tirelessly to stamp out the ring of fire that had long menaced the Jewish state and destabilized the region. They have worked to destroy Hamas’ military capacity, decapitate Hizballah, degrade Iran’s network for exporting terror, and bring home hostages abducted on the deadliest day in Jewish history since the Holocaust.”
McConnell also highlighted Israel’s efforts in minimizing harm to civilians during its operations: “Israel has sacrificed greatly in the pursuit of peace, taking great pains to avoid innocent suffering in a battle against an enemy for whom innocent suffering is the goal. Hamas could have ended this war at any time by simply releasing the hostages.”
According to McConnell, Israeli efforts have created conditions that may allow for conflict resolution and increased deterrence against Iran. He praised former President Trump for supporting Israel during this period: “Israel’s resolve and bold tactics created the conditions for a potential resolution to this conflict and for restored deterrence against Iran. President Trump has been right to provide Israel the time, space, and support to achieve its war aims, and his decision to authorize U.S. strikes against Iran made good use of this hard-won opportunity.”
McConnell expressed hope regarding possible progress if remaining hostages are released: “If, indeed, Hamas is prepared to release its remaining hostages, the return of innocent Israelis and Americans to their homes and families would end a two-year vigil of heartache. I will look forward eagerly to their return, and I commend the bravery of the Israel Defense Forces, the resolve of Israel’s leaders, and President Trump’s persistent efforts to make it possible.”
He noted that a framework supported by U.S. mediation could offer Palestinians an opportunity beyond Hamas: “Two years on from October 7th, the rest of the framework – brokered with U.S. support – would provide an opportunity for Palestinians to turn a page on a dark chapter of terrorism and tyranny and chart a new course without Hamas.”
However, McConnell cautioned that even with implementation there remain challenges: “However, even with full implementation of the framework, there is cause for vigilance. After all, ceasefire was the nominal state of affairs when Hamas terrorists carried out their savage attacks two years ago. Success will require that Palestinian leaders answer for the corruption, hatred, and incitement that made October 7th possible and engage in true and enduring political and economic reforms.”
He concluded by calling on continued American pressure on Iran while maintaining strong support for Israel: “For our part, America and the West must continue to apply meaningful pressure on Iran to change its behavior and prevent it from reconstituting the web of terror that has threatened Israel and U.S. interests in the region. As the past two years have made painfully clear, America’s support for Israel must not be swayed by the creep of terrorist propaganda and base anti-Semitism into public opinion. The enduring strength and prosperity of the Jewish state is in America’s interest as is peace in its region.”
