Signs on to Resolution in Support of U.S. Arms Sales to Israel

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, signed on to a resolution introduced by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) this week approving two arms sales to Israel. The Biden administration notified Congress of these arms sales on May 5, and even as Israel defended itself against Iran-backed Palestinian terrorist attacks, Democrats voiced their disapproval of the sales. Co-sponsors of this resolution include Sens. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.).

The full resolution can be found here.

Sen. Johnson said: “While leftist Democrats in Congress try to block weapons Israel needs to defend itself, the Biden administration is busy empowering Hamas’ weapons supplier, Iran – the largest state sponsor of terrorism. Now, more than ever, the United States must stand unequivocally in support of our closest ally in the Middle East and reaffirm the United States’ unwavering commitment to Israel and its right to protect its citizens.”  

Sen. Cruz said: “Our Israeli allies have just completed another round of fighting against Iran-backed Hamas terrorists who fired over 4,000 rockets into Israel. Israel has the solemn obligation to defend its citizens, and the United States has a duty to continue to support and bolster them as they do so. Sadly, Democrats in both the House and the Senate are choosing to pacify their anti-Israel base by opposing this critical support. I call on my Democrat colleagues to choose a side and support this commonsense resolution voicing Congressional approval for these two sales.”

Sen. Hagerty said: “At a time when Israel, a fellow democracy and our most important ally in the Middle East, has endured thousands of rocket attacks from Hamas and other Iran-backed terrorists in Gaza, I am proud to co-sponsor this resolution approving arms sales to strengthen Israel’s self-defense capabilities. As a former U.S. ambassador, I appreciate how important it is for allies to know that U.S. policymakers and lawmakers stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them when they and their citizens face grave threats to their security and safety.”

Sen. Blackburn said: “The United States has remained a reliable partner for our strongest ally in the Middle East for decades. Through critical arms sales, multiple administrations have supported Israel’s self-defense from terror groups attempting to dismantle Israeli sovereignty and leadership. This resolution will maintain this legacy and ensure our continued support of our allies.”

Sen. Barrasso said: “Israel is one of America’s strongest allies and has every right to defend itself and its people. Israel can’t afford to wait while Congressional Democrats continue to play political games with its national security. Our resolution approves these critical arms sales and ensures Israel has the resources it needs to fight against any and all terrorist threats.”

Sen. Cotton said: “The United States must ensure Israel continues to have the resources it needs to protect Israeli citizens and to defeat its terrorist enemies. Democrats’ anti-Israel rhetoric and attempts to block an arms sale to Israel are unconscionable.”

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