Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accuses the Biden administration of "talking out of both sides of their mouths" with their rhetoric towards Israel, calling for swift action against anti-Israel protesters on college campuses and a more robust stance against antisemitism.
In the wake of a recent surge in anti-Israel and antisemitic rhetoric on college campuses, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has accused the Biden administration of "talking out of both sides of their mouths" with its rhetoric towards Israel.
Pompeo, who served under President Trump, condemned the "violent, pro-Hamas mob threatening and attacking Jewish students" on campuses across the country, arguing that such acts constitute criminal behavior and should be treated as such. He highlighted the alarming increase in antisemitic incidents in the United States, noting the 360% jump reported by the Anti-Defamation League since the Hamas attacks on Israel in October.
Pompeo criticized the Biden administration's "both sides" approach, which he believes sends the wrong message that antisemitism will be tolerated as long as protesters are advocating for Palestinian freedom. He emphasized that acts of terrorism by Iran or its proxies, as well as antisemitic acts in the United States, only serve to derail efforts towards peace and promote the destruction of Israel and Jews.
Pompeo urged swift and strong action against anti-Israel protesters on college campuses, arguing that universities or the police must take immediate steps to protect Jewish students. He called for the revocation of visas for foreign students supporting Hamas and the expulsion of American students arrested in protests, as well as the denial of federal student loans for students arrested for supporting Hamas.
Pompeo condemned the decision by Columbia University to move classes online for the remainder of the semester due to the protests, calling it cowardly and unfair to students and parents. He suggested that parents demand refunds and urged universities to act to protect their Jewish students and the integrity of their pedagogy.
Pompeo highlighted the significance of the United States in combating antisemitism around the globe, recalling President Truman's recognition of the State of Israel in 1948 as a symbol of American leadership. He urged President Biden to demonstrate similar leadership and send a clear message that antisemitism will not be tolerated in the United States or abroad.
Pompeo emphasized that Israel is America's closest ally in the Middle East, a democracy seeking peace with its neighbors. He praised the Trump administration's efforts to broker the historic Abraham Accords, which he believes can pave the way for further progress.
Pompeo encouraged supporters of universities to vote with their pocketbooks and withdraw financial support from institutions that fail to protect Jewish students. He also called on the boards of these universities to demand the resignation of their presidents.
While upholding the importance of free speech, Pompeo argued that antisemitic speech cannot be tolerated. He urged those who value free speech to agree that allowing the seeds of Jewish hate to be planted will ultimately undermine the very freedoms that Americans cherish.
In closing, Pompeo reiterated his call for the Biden administration to take a more robust stance against antisemitism and to support Israel as a key ally in the Middle East. He emphasized that American leadership is crucial in combating antisemitism and promoting peace and stability in the region.
