On Monday, October 7, 2024, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a significant meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem with a bipartisan delegation of U.S. Senators, led by Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT). The meeting took place on the one-year anniversary of the October 7th Hamas terrorist attack, an event Netanyahu described as the worst assault on the Jewish people since the Holocaust.
Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support from the U.S. government and its people during Israel’s ongoing conflict. “We deeply appreciate the visit by Senators Graham and Blumenthal on this day of commemoration. Unlike the Holocaust, we are fighting back with the full backing of the American government and people. Your support throughout the war has been stellar,” Netanyahu said.
Senator Blumenthal echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the United States’ steadfast support for Israel. “We’re honored to stand with you on this difficult day. The attack on October 7th was abhorrent and inhumane, and we are here to affirm that Israel has the right to defend itself. The U.S. has Israel’s back,” he stated.
Senator Lindsey Graham drew historical parallels between the terrorist attack and past atrocities against the Jewish people, reiterating the need for Israel to reclaim and protect its land. He added, “No one should be a refugee in their own country. We’re committed to helping Israel with all its military needs, as this fight is not just Israel’s—it is ours too.”
Graham also addressed European allies, specifically urging France to increase its support for Israel, warning that those who seek Israel’s destruction also pose a threat to other nations. He further stressed the global danger posed by Iran, warning that an Iranian nuclear weapon would be a threat to all, not just Israel.
The meeting, which underscored the importance of U.S.-Israel cooperation, was also attended by several Israeli officials, including Dr. Ophir Falk, the Prime Minister’s Foreign Policy Adviser, Dr. Omer Dostri, the Prime Minister’s Spokesperson, and Dor Shapira, Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs North America Desk.
This reaffirmation of U.S. and Israeli solidarity comes at a critical time as both nations continue to navigate the challenges posed by regional terrorism and growing security threats.–News Desk