Rep. Kevin McCarthy discusses American foreign policy as war breaks out in Israel. Amb. Dennis Ross provides historical context on Hamas' attacks. Adm. John Kirby outlines Biden administration's efforts to recover American hostages.
Israel has initiated airstrikes in the Gaza Strip and is preparing for a possible ground invasion as the war with Hamas escalates, prompting international concern and calls for action from Congress.
Israel has accused Iran of supporting Hamas, and efforts are being explored to prevent Iran from further supporting terrorist activities, including freezing their access to funds.
The United States is actively engaging with Israeli and regional leaders to address the crisis, pledging security assistance to Israel and ensuring the safety of American citizens overseas.
Deep dives
Israel launches airstrikes in response to escalating conflict with Hamas
Israel has initiated airstrikes in the Gaza Strip and is preparing for a possible ground invasion as the war with Hamas escalates. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the offensive has only just begun and warned Hamas of the consequences. The conflict was triggered by a weekend attack by Hamas, which launched thousands of rockets into Israel and breached Israeli barriers. The death toll has surpassed 1,200, with hundreds in Israel and more than 570 in Gaza. Hamas is also holding hostages, including women and children, and has threatened to execute one hostage for every civilian attacked by Israel. The situation has prompted international concern and calls for action from Congress.
Israel accuses Iran of complicity in the conflict
Israel has accused Iran of supporting Hamas, stating that the scale and complexity of the attack bear the hallmarks of Iranian involvement. While there is no concrete evidence suggesting direct Iranian planning or resourcing, Iran has a long history of supporting Hamas and other terrorist groups. The United States echoes these concerns, acknowledging Iran's complicity and emphasizing the need to hold Iran accountable. Efforts to prevent Iran from further supporting terrorist activities, including freezing their access to funds, are being explored.
US response and support for Israel
The United States is committed to supporting Israel's right to self-defense and ensuring the safety of American citizens overseas. President Joe Biden is actively engaging with Israeli and regional leaders to address the crisis. The US has pledged security assistance to Israel and is coordinating closely to meet their needs. An aircraft carrier has been deployed to the Eastern Mediterranean to provide reassurance and deterrence. While some Republican candidates have criticized the Biden administration's handling of the conflict, the White House remains focused on national security and the safe return of Americans held hostage.
Calls for unity and reassurance in the midst of crisis
Amid the escalating conflict, political figures and leaders stress the need for national unity and strong leadership. Nikki Haley, a Republican presidential candidate, highlights the importance of America's focus on national security during moments of crisis and urges an end to division. Former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki also emphasizes the significance of unity and national security, urging Americans to prevent distraction and ground their focus in their own safety and that of their friends. The crisis in the Middle East underscores the need for a strong and steady response from the US, as well as bipartisan support for Israel.
Implications of the conflict on US politics
The conflict in Israel has become a talking point in US politics, with Republican candidates criticizing President Biden and his administration's handling of the situation. Some candidates have politicized the issue, raising questions about the release of frozen funds to Iran and suggesting a connection to the attack. This reflects broader divisions and political maneuvering, as candidates navigate the crisis and seek to gain traction in their presidential campaigns. It remains to be seen how the conflict will shape the political landscape and influence the positions and strategies of candidates across the spectrum.
Israel orders a “full seige” of Gaza ahead of a potential ground operation. Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) joins Meet the Press NOW to discuss American foreign policy as war breaks out in Israel and the House of Representatives remains without a speaker. Amb. Dennis Ross talks about the historical context of Hamas’ attacks on Israel. Adm. John Kirby discusses potential Iranian involvement in the Hamas attacks and outlines the Biden administration’s efforts to recover American hostages. Jim Geraghty, Susan Page and Jen Psaki join the Meet the Press NOW roundtable.
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