A resolution that Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) introduced in the U.S. Senate on Friday, which has 26 co-sponsors, supports Israel’s right to self-defense and states that U.S. government officials calling for Israeli elections are “interfering” in the Jewish state’s governance.
“Hamas is the reason the conflict started on Oct. 7 and the reason it continues today,” Scott stated. “Israel has every right to defend itself from this brutal terrorist organization that raped and murdered innocent civilians and continues to hold more than 100 people hostage, including several American citizens.”
“I will always stand with Israel as it seeks to confront and eradicate the threat of terrorism,” he added.
All of the 26 co-sponsors are Senate Republicans.
“Israel has the inherent right to defend itself and take necessary steps to eradicate the terrorist threat posed by Hamas,” per the resolution. “Any call for elections in Israel by a United States government official is to be considered an act of electoral interference.”
In a press release, Scott noted—without naming Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.)—that “on March 14, 2024, the Senate’s top Democrat gave an unprecedented speech on the Senate floor where he called for elections to be held in Israel, stating that the country’s current government ‘no longer fits the needs of Israel after Oct. 7.”