On Saturday, Israel was targeted in a coordinated missile and drone attack by Iran, believed to be in retaliation for a recent alleged Israeli strike on an Iranian embassy that resulted in the deaths of two senior Iranian military officers.
The assault, which commenced late Saturday night Israel time, prompted an immediate response from Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system, with additional support from American forces intercepting several drones.
The attack has drawn outstanding reactions from U.S. lawmakers and officials, highlighting a robust support for Israel and criticism of the current U.S. administration’s policies towards Iran. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) condemned the attack as “vicious” and criticized President Biden’s administration for its approach towards Israel and Iran.
Speaker Mike Johnson (Credits: Rolling Stone)
“As Israel faces this vicious attack from Iran, America must show our full resolve to stand with our critical ally,” Johnson stated on X, the social media platform. He emphasized the need for the U.S. to support Israel unequivocally.
Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) took a more direct approach, calling on President Biden to initiate retaliatory strikes against Iran: “Iran has begun launching drone strikes on Israel,” Blackburn wrote on X. “@POTUS — we must move quickly and launch aggressive retaliatory strikes on Iran.”
In response to the escalating situation, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) announced a shift in the House’s schedule to focus on legislation that supports Israel and holds Iran accountable.
“The House of Representatives stands strongly with Israel, and there must be consequences for this unprovoked attack,” Scalise noted, promising further details on the legislative measures.
Chuck Schumer (Credits: The American Prospect)
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), known for his staunch support of Israel, expressed solidarity with the Israeli people, affirming that “the United States will do everything we can to support Israel’s defense against Iran.”
Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) also voiced her support, emphasizing America’s firm stance with Israel. “The United States stands firmly with Israel and its right to defend itself against attacks from Iran and its terrorist proxies,” she said on X. “I will continue working in the Senate to deliver the support Israel needs to protect itself.”
This convergence of responses underscores the bipartisan support for Israel in the U.S. Congress despite rising tensions and the potential for broader regional conflict following Iran’s aggressive actions.
