Governor Ron DeSantis has doubled down on his support for a "swift and lethal" response from Israel to the terrorist attacks that have left over 800 Israeli's dead.
"One of our greatest allies, Israel, has been attacked by terrorists funded by Iran – with over 800 Israelis murdered and 2,000 injured," DeSantis said in a written statement. "The scenes of brutality are hard to watch. Innocent men, women, children, and the elderly."
DeSantis said America must stand with Israel as they respond to the attack, pointing out that American's have been killed and hostages have been taken.
One of our greatest allies, Israel, has been attacked by terrorists funded by Iran – with over 800 Israelis murdered and 2,000 injured. The scenes of brutality are hard to watch. Innocent men, women, children, and the elderly.
And we learned this morning that among these victims…
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) October 9, 2023
"And we learned this morning that among these victims are at least nine American citizens killed and others likely missing or taken hostage," said DeSantis. "Hamas committed these acts for two simple reasons: they hate the Jewish people, and they are evil cowards."
DeSantis says it is not enough to stand with Israel, but they must have the full support of the United States. DeSantis also compared the attack to the September 11 terrorist attacks in America carried out by Al-Qaeda.
"We must not only stand with Israel, but we must support them as they hunt down and eradicate these barbarians," said DeSantis. "Israel, with the full support of the United States, should kill Hamas members and extinguish their entire infrastructure."
DeSantis was on the campaign trail in Iowa when news of the attacks broke.
“Today, America stands with Israel against the terrorist attacks," DeSantis proclaimed on a megaphone. "Perpetrated by Hamas. Backed by Iran. And unfortunately funded by this American President.”
🚨WATCH! Governor Ron DeSantis on terrorist attack on Israel!
“Today, America stands with Israel against the terrorist attacks!
Perpetrated by Hamas. Backed by Iran. And unfortunately funded by this American President.”#DeSantis2024 pic.twitter.com/qiDBTk8pNV
— Chris Nelson 🇺🇸 🏝 (@ReOpenChris) October 7, 2023
DeSantis blames the Biden administration for taking a soft position on Iran, including releasing $6 Billion to the Islamic State in a prisoner exchange scheme last month.
"They were empowered by Joe Biden’s appeasement of Iran and a desire to ruin further normalization of ties within the Arab world with Israel," said DeSantis.
DeSantis laid out three things the Biden Administration and Congress must do moving forward.
"And right now, America must immediately do three things: (i) freeze any money Joe Biden has made available to Iran; (ii) cut off any and all types of foreign aid flowing to Hamas; and (iii) immediately shut down America’s wide-open southern border to ensure we are in a position to better protect Americans here at home from these real threats," said DeSantis. "These are incredibly dangerous times – but I have confidence that both the Israeli and American spirit can and will prevail over evil."
