Cole Criticizes President Biden’s Inappropriate Ultimatum to Israel
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement in response to President Biden’s call to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday. During the call, Biden warned Netanyahu to respect Gaza and address the humanitarian crisis or face consequences.
“Just last month, we watched Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stand on the Senate floor and deliver an offensive speech in which he claimed Prime Minister Netanyahu has ‘lost his way’, proving that many Democrats have a serious anti-Israel problem. Then, yesterday, the Biden Administration gave Israel an ultimatum saying that if ‘we don’t see the changes that we need to see, there’ll be changes in our own policy.’ This is unacceptable. The recent actions and statements of both Senator Schumer and President Biden with respect to Israel are both outrageous and inappropriate,” said Congressman Cole.
“Israel is our closest friend and ally in the Middle East, and the only democracy in the region. They are currently under assault by Hamas, a terrorist group that is backed by Iran, the largest state sponsor of terrorism, and is a deadly enemy to both Israel and the United States. Hamas not only ruthlessly murdered over 1,200 Israelis on October 7, 2023, but also still holds over one hundred hostages, including five Americans,” said Congressman Cole.
“For President Biden, Senator Schumer, and others to publicly criticize a democratic ally that is defending itself from a brutal terrorist attack, including the Majority Leader’s call for new elections in Israel, is both outrageous and unprecedented. Their actions are driving a rift between the United States and its closest ally, playing into the objectives of the terrorists. It has been made very clear – President Biden and Senator Schumer appear to have lost all sense of moral and political clarity,” said Congressman Cole. “I am calling on both of them to retract their statements and stand with our great ally, Israel, at this critical moment. To do anything else is a public betrayal to our friends in Israel and effectively supports an enemy to civilized people all around the world.”
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