House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik became the highest-ranking House member to visit Israel after the recent terrorist attacks, reassuring the nation of America's unwavering support. In a speech to the Israeli parliament, she sharply criticized President Biden's handling of the situation, accusing him of failing to support Israel in its time of need.
House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., delivered a resounding speech in the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, on Sunday, expressing strong support for Israel and criticizing President Biden's administration for its handling of the recent Israel-Hamas conflict.
In her speech, Stefanik emphasized her long-standing support for Israel, describing herself as "a lifelong admirer, supporter and friend of Israel and the Jewish people." She praised former President Trump's relationship with Israel and criticized Biden for his administration's controversial measures during the war, such as pausing a weapons shipment to Israel.
Stefanik accused Biden of "blocking aid to Israel," "easing sanctions on Iran," and "dithering and hiding while our friends fight for their lives." She asserted, "There is no excuse for an American president to do this."
Stefanik pledged her support for "every measure to aid Israel that has come before the U.S. Congress" and touted her history as "a leading proponent and partner to President Trump in his historic support for Israeli independence and security."
She stated, "If I leave you with one message today, it's this: The majority of Americans support you, and we always will since President Truman's recognition of Israel 11 minutes after David Ben-Gurion declared Israel’s independence 76 years and 5 days ago."
Stefanik also criticized Ivy League universities for their responses to anti-Israel protests and encampments, arguing that these institutions "must not let the extremism in ‘elite’ corners conceal the deep, abiding love for Israel among the American people."
She concluded her speech by saying, "Most Americans feel a strong connection to your people. They have opened their hearts to you in this dark hour."
Stefanik's speech was met with praise by Israeli officials and members of Congress. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett thanked Stefanik for her support, saying, "Your presence here today is a powerful symbol of the enduring bond between our two countries."
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., also commended Stefanik, saying, "Elise Stefanik's powerful speech in the Knesset today reaffirmed the strong bipartisan support for Israel in the United States."
