War broke out in Israel Saturday, and Florida’s political leaders were quick to contextualize and condemn in a bi-partisan fashion the Hamas incursion that reportedly has taken 70 lives.
Sen. Rick Scott tweeted that “Israelis are dying today at the hands of Iran-backed terrorists. Every American ally & partner must swiftly condemn this invasion & acts of war by Hamas terrorists & the Iranian regime which supports their murderous attacks. We stand with Israel.”
Soon enough, Scott had more to say: “Israel is under attack and being invaded. Israeli women and children are being murdered and dragged through the streets of Gaza by Iran-backed Hamas terrorists. It’s 9:25 a.m. and we still haven’t heard from POTUS. Where the hell is Joe Biden?”
“Israel was attacked by a Hamas terror group funded & supplied by Iran. And the continued appeasement of Iran is encouraging these attacks,” Sen. Marco Rubio added.
Members of Congress from both parties are also united in outrage.
“”Our strongest ally in the Middle East—Israel—is at war after enduring a multi-pronged terror attack by Hamas. We must be bold & courageous in standing up for the nation of #Israel & their right to defend the Jewish homeland. Abby & I are praying for the Israeli people and IDF,” Rep. Aaron Bean said.
“The heinous terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas on innocent Israelis – many savagely killed and kidnapped in their homes – must be forcefully condemned by the US & international community. Israel has our unwavering support to defend itself against these unprovoked atrocities,” Rep. Vern Buchanan said.
“Israel stands as the United States’ closest friend and ally, and our nation’s strength is intertwined with theirs. My prayers are with the people of Israel today, and as Israel prepares for war in these dark hours, the United States stands ready to support Israel’s right to defend itself. Our commitment to Israel is unwavering. Today, the world is witness to the truly barbaric nature and intentions of the Iran-backed terrorist group Hamas. As Hamas continues their bloody rampage against innocent Israeli civilians, Israeli Defense Forces are mobilizing. Make no mistake, the response will be overwhelming and lethal. Israel has an undeniable right to protect and defend themselves,” Rep. Kat Cammack contended.
“The State of Israel is under attack, and this beautiful and holy land needs the prayers and support of the world during this tumultuous time. May God bless the people of Israel,” tweeted Rep. Byron Donalds.
“I am horrified and infuriated by the deadly terrorist attacks in Israel. Israel has every right to defend itself and protect its citizens from Iran-backed Hamas. America must unequivocally stand by its ally,” asserted Rep. Jared Moskowitz.
“This is an unprovoked, indiscriminate terrorist attack on innocent Israeli civilians. The entire world should condemn Hamas immediately, and the U.S. should have Israel’s back as they defend themselves against terrorism,” added Rep. Michael Waltz.
“The Democratic State of Israel is under attack, facing unprovoked and despicable assaults by Hamas terrorists. These brazen acts of violence demand the strongest condemnation, as there is no justification for launching over 2,200 missiles in a brutal assault raining down upon innocent citizens. Democratic nations worldwide must unite to support Israel, as unity is our strength in the face of united terrorism,” asserted Rep. Frederica Wilson.
“Israel stands as the United States’ closest friend and ally, and our nation’s strength is intertwined with theirs. My prayers are with the people of Israel today, and as Israel prepares for war in these dark hours, the United States stands ready to support Israel’s right to defend itself. Our commitment to Israel is unwavering,” she added.
One Congressman offered a more equivocating take, meanwhile.
“I am deeply saddened to see the news coming out of Israel and I condemn this vicious attack by Hamas. I also have deep concern about violence moving forward and pray for the safety of both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples. It’s always the citizens that suffer the most,” asserted Rep. Maxwell A. Frost.
“The dastardly terrorist attacks perpetrated against innocent Israeli civilians by Iran-backed terror group Hamas deserve a swift and lethal response. Israel not only has the right to defend itself against these attacks, it has a duty to respond with overwhelming force. I stand with Israel. America must stand with Israel,” said Gov. Ron DeSantis.
“Iran has helped fund this war against Israel and Joe Biden’s policies that have gone easy on Iran has helped to fill their coffers. Israel is now paying the price for those policies. We’re going to stand with the state of Israel. They need to root out Hamas and we need to stand up to Iran,” he added in a video statement.
Attorney General Ashley Moody also weighed in.
“We must stand with Israel and support our ally in the Middle East following the cowardly surprise attack by Hamas. My heart breaks for all of the innocent Israelis killed in this violent aggression. What the world needs now, more than ever, is a strong United States,” Moody said.
“This morning, the State of Israel was viciously attacked by Hamas terrorists. We condemn these heinous attacks and pray for the innocent lives that were taken by this Iran-sponsored terror group. I stand with the people of Israel,” asserted Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez.
“Florida 100%, unequivocally stands with the people of Israel. Evil is real. Innocent people died at the hands of radical Islam. The United States must fully back Israel’s efforts to protect its people. I pray for those lost souls and the families left grieving,” said CFO Jimmy Patronis.
“I stand with Israel and pray for her resilient people. We must support one of our greatest allies in the Middle East. The $6 billion dollars Joe Biden gave our enemies will go a long way in this attack on democracy and freedom,” added Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson.
Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book said the “deadly attacks on Israel and Israeli civilians must be stopped. Praying for the families of those we lost, standing with the people of Israel and their right to defend against horrific acts of terror.”
“The unprovoked terrorist attacks by Hamas on innocent civilians in Israel is an abomination and must be vehemently condemned by the U.S. and international community. The people of Florida have and always will stand with Israel and its right to protect itself,” asserted Sen. Joe Gruters.
Sen. Shevrin Jones said the “deadly terrorist attacks targeting Israeli civilians are horrific. I pray for the victims and families subjected to this evil and unacceptable violence at the hands of Hamas. The people of Israel deserve to be safe and protected, and we stand in solidarity with Israel, our longtime ally.”
“Today, I think back to my boys’ first trip to Israel, and now, when they’re old enough to worry about their own friends in the IDF. Yesterday, today, and tomorrow, our family stands with Israel,” said Sen. Jason Pizzo.
House Speaker Paul Renner had this to say.
“Israel is under attack and America will always stand by our allies. The people of Florida are praying for the victims of this attack. If you stand for freedom, if you stand for peace, you should #StandWithIsrael.”
Rep. Randy Fine was equally uncompromising: “Every site a rocket is launched from should be obliterated. Without warning. Without mercy. Eradicate them. We stand with Israel. #BombsAway #KillTheAnimals.”
Fine had more to say later Saturday morning.
“Biden gave Iran $6 billion a few weeks ago. Iran funds Hamas. Today is not a coincidence. If you are a Jew who voted for Biden, you need to look at your hands. Say what you want about Donald Trump, but there is no question whatsoever that he stood with Israel.”
Rep. Blaise Ingoglia wondered why the White House was slow to respond: “Where the F is POTUS ?!?!?”
Rep. Daniel Perez said his “heart is with the people of Israel, who have endured a heinous attack by Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists.”
“As they defend their home and their freedom, we too, must stand with our greatest ally Israel,” Perez added.
Florida Democratic Party chair Nikki Fried also condemned the attack: “This unprovoked act of terrorism must be condemned by nations around the world. Israel has the right to defend herself and her people. The attacks on innocent lives is unacceptable and I stand with Israel. Prayers for the families who have already lost loved ones.”
“We are shocked and horrified at the barbaric terrorist attacks in Israel. Now more than ever, it is important that we reaffirm our commitment to Israel and for good to triumph over evil,” the Florida Republican Party added.
“I am shocked and heartbroken at the attacks on Israel and Israeli civilians. These heinous acts of violence must come to an end to protect innocent lives. Miami-Dade stands with the people of Israel and their right to defend themselves against acts of terror, today and always,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.
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Some reporting and cover art courtesy of the Associated Press.
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