Broad bipartisan support in US for Israel following Hamas surprise attack at 50th anniversary of Yom Kippur War

Following the Hamas-led surprise attack on Israel’s southern border this morning, and the launch of thousands of rockets into southern and central Israel, statements of support for Israel and its right to defend itself were expressed by leaders across the political spectrum in the United States. 

Below is a collection of those statements from various politicians and leaders. 

U.S. President Joe Biden: 

“Today, I spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu about the appalling Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel. I offered our support and reiterated my unwavering commitment to Israel’s security. 

The First Lady and I express our heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost loved ones.” 

Biden also made a video statement in which he said: “The United States stands with Israel. We will never fail to have their back.” 

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken: 

“The United States unequivocally condemns the appalling attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israel, including civilians and civilian communities. There is never any justification for terrorism. We stand in solidarity with the government and people of Israel, and extend our condolences for the Israeli lives lost in these attacks. We will remain in close contact with our Israeli partners. The United States supports Israel’s right to defend itself.” 

Former U.S. President Donald Trump: 

“These Hamas attacks are a disgrace, and Israel has every right to defend itself with overwhelming force. Sadly, American taxpayer dollars helped fund these attacks, which many reports are saying came from the Biden Administration. We brought so much peace to the Middle East through the Abraham Accords, only to see Biden whittle it away at a far more rapid pace than anyone thought possible. Here we go again.” 

Speaking at a political rally in Iowa, Trump blamed Biden for contributing to the attacks. 

“The Israeli attack was made because we are perceived as being weak and ineffective and with a really weak leader.” 

Florida Governor Ron Desantis: 

“Israel is now under attack. I stand with Israel. America stands with Israel. Not only do they have a right to defend themselves, they have a duty to defend themselves against these Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists. 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.” 

Republican Senator Ted Cruz: 

“Iran-controlled Hamas terrorists launched a literal war against Israel tonight. Our Israeli allies will now do what they must to defend themselves, and I stand with them as they confront this violence and these atrocities. The United States must continue to support Israel’s absolute right to self-defense and ensure it has the military resources and diplomatic support it needs to confront the genocidal Iran-controlled terrorists who seek Israel’s destruction.” 

Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer: 

“The terrorist attacks by Hamas on the people of Israel are absolutely horrific. The U.S. stands with Israel in its unwavering right to defend itself. I stand ready to ensure Israel has the support to do so. My prayers are with the dead, reported hostages, and hundreds injured.” 

Republican House Majority Leader Steve Scalise: 

“Make no mistake: The United States will always stand with Israel, our greatest ally in the Middle East. They must defend themselves as their citizens are slaughtered by Hamas terrorists. They have our full support and our prayers.” 

Democratic House Leader Hakeem Jeffries: 

“I strongly condemn the violent and ghastly attack by the terrorist organization Hamas on the Jewish people and the State of Israel. The loss of life in Israel as a result of this violent, calculated, and unprovoked attack by Hamas is heartbreaking. 

America stands firmly and unequivocally with Israel. We will strongly support Israel’s right to defend herself from this despicable attack that targeted civilians, including Israeli children, with rockets, gunfire, and violent kidnappings. The Congress must stand with Israel until the invasion by Hamas has been crushed and security in southern Israel and throughout the country has been permanently restored.”

Ted Deutsch, CEO of the American Jewish Committee (AJC): 

“As evening falls on Israel, we reaffirm our profound support for Israel’s people, its government and its defense forces as it responds to these horrific terror attacks against Israeli civilians. We stand with Israel.” 

Deutsch also posted a longer message to his X (formerly Twitter) feed, calling on people to remember their outrage for the attacks when Israel takes the necessary steps to defend itself. 

In just hours in #Israel today, dozens of civilians have been killed and kidnapped by Hamas terrorists. Hundreds have been injured, many seriously. Terrorists fired rockets. Terrorists invaded Israel. Terrorists stormed communities and homes to abduct women and children - and…

— Ted Deutch, CEO of American Jewish Committee (@AJCCEO) October 7, 2023

The AJC also posted to social media, declaring its solidarity with the people of Israel: 

“We stand in total solidarity with the people of Israel following a massive, unprovoked attack by Hamas.  

Dozens of terrorists infiltrated Israel in the early hours of Saturday, storming communities and homes, kidnapping and murdering civilians.

At least 22 people have been killed, with hundreds more injured, many in critical condition.

More than 2,500 rockets were fired into southern and central Israel, putting millions of Israelis at risk. 

All Israelis have been called up to defend their country, including AJC staff. 

Israel has every right to defend itself against these deplorable attacks.”

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant spoke with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, who received a briefing on the situation from Gallant and expressed America’s unequivocal support for Israel. 

Following the call, Gallant expressed his appreciation to Austin and the U.S. administration for their support and for standing with Israel.