By Congressman Nick LaLota
Last Wednesday in Washington, D.C., a joint session of Congress welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his address, where he focused on the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza, the safe return of hostages, and the broader regional threats posed by Iran. In a break from tradition and as a sign of protest, Vice President Kamala Harris (D-CA) chose not to preside over the joint session.
Vice President Harris was not alone in her protest. Just a few hours after the address, and a mile away in Union Square, protesters burned American flags in opposition to Netanyahu and U.S. support for Israel. They replaced the burned American flags with Palestinian flags and also burned an effigy of Netanyahu. The protesters used graffiti to promote slogans such as “Free Palestine” and “Hamas is comin’.”
Historically, Washington’s support of Israel’s right to exist and defend itself has been a bipartisan endeavor, stemming from an understanding that those belligerents who seek to “wipe Israel off the map” also chant “death to America.” Moreover, those who understand the nature of the bond between the United States and Israel recognize that our two nations were founded on principles of religious freedom and democracy.
Yet today, too many of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are equivocal, at best, about their support for the one beacon of democracy in the Middle East. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s address and the protests by Vice President Harris and those who burned American flags have only reaffirmed my commitment to Israel and to combating antisemitism in all forms.
The Biden-Harris Administration’s inconsistent support for Israel is contrary to our national security interests and should be condemned. America cannot afford to abandon our closest ally in their darkest hour. With this in mind, I recently helped pass legislation to compel the Administration to support Israel by sending already approved and appropriated funding to help defeat Hamas.
Israel and the United States are nations founded upon religious freedom and the deterrence of conflict. I am proud to reaffirm my support for Israel’s right to exist and defend itself. Nine months ago, Israel was dragged into an existential fight against Hamas terrorists. Now, the world must unite to confront this evil head-on. The grave situation requires the Biden-Harris Administration to stop equivocating and to demonstrate the strength needed to achieve peace.
Our commitment to Israel must not waver. It is not just a matter of foreign policy but a testament to our shared values and the unbreakable bond that links our nations.
Congressman Nick LaLota (R, NY-01) is a lifelong Long Islander and Navy Veteran serving the people of Suffolk County in the U.S. Congress.
