East Idaho Times

U.S. Senator Jim Risch of Idaho, who serves as the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued a statement on the anniversary of Hamas' attack on Israel that occurred on October 7 last year. In his statement, Risch reflected on the impact of the attack and expressed concern over ongoing threats to Israel's security.

“It’s been a year since Hamas’ brutal October 7 attack on Israel. Today, people across the world are remembering those lives lost and the Israeli and American hostages who remain in captivity in Gaza," said Risch. He emphasized his disappointment with what he perceives as a lack of unified condemnation from the international community regarding these attacks.

Risch pointed out that "Iran and its proxies continue to threaten the safety and security of the Israeli people." He noted that groups such as Hamas still hold hostages in Gaza while others like Tehran, the Houthis, and Hezbollah launch attacks against Israel. According to him, "Israel has rightly reached the conclusion that a Gaza controlled by Hamas or a Lebanon under the heel of Hezbollah – both designated terrorist organizations – will endanger the lives of Israeli citizens."

He criticized actions he believes undermine Israel's position: “Some undermine Israel by holding up arms sales, refusing to sanction the International Criminal Court’s politically-motivated prosecution of Israelis, dictating how Israel can conduct military operations, and calling for Prime Minister Netanyahu to be replaced." Risch warned that such actions could weaken U.S.-Israel relations and embolden adversaries like Iran.

Risch concluded by reaffirming his commitment alongside his Republican colleagues to support Israel: "My Republican colleagues and I will continue to do all we can to support our ally Israel.”