My trip to Israel

An Israeli soldier moves on the top of a tank near the Israeli-Gaza border, as seen from southern Israel, Sunday, July 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov)

Last month, I traveled to Israel to meet with government officials about the ongoing war. We walked the Kibbutzes where innocent Israelis were murdered, raped, beheaded, and tortured by Hamas terrorists and learned more of the horrifying details about the worst attack on Jews since the Holocaust. We saw firsthand the food, water, medical supplies, and other aid that Israel is actively delivering to civilians in Palestine despite unfounded outcry from Hamas apologists.

My visit to Israel left me even more determined to support our strongest ally in the Middle East, disprove the propaganda from Hamas sympathizers abroad and here at home, and provide the people of Israel with the resources and weapons that they need to defend their homeland and defeat Hamas and Hezbollah.

I was part of a group of nine members of Congress that also met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, the Prime Minister’s Cabinet Secretary, the Prime Minister’s Military Secretary, and the Prime Minister’s Foreign Policy Adviser. From the highest levels of Israeli government, they reiterated their deepest gratitude for American support for Israel and asked that military aid continue uninterrupted. During our conversation, we further learned that the United Nations is turning its back on Israel and potentially even working with Hamas, which I find absolutely unacceptable and disgusting. It’s why I recently supported an amendment to the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Act to hold the United Nations accountable to its mission and ensure that American taxpayer dollars are not funding Hamas terrorism in Israel.

Over the last several months, I’ve voted for legislation to strengthen our alliance with Israel and demonstrate unwavering American support for our closest ally in the Middle East. When Iran launched hundreds of missiles at Israel in April, I supported a congressional resolution denouncing Iran’s missile strike and condemning Iran’s sponsorship of Hamas terror.

When the International Criminal Court – which has no real or enforceable jurisdiction – issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Netanyahu and other Israeli officials, I voted for legislation to impose sanctions on the ICC for this reckless misconduct and strip all U.S. funding of this shameful organization. When anti-American protesters took to the streets and celebrated antisemitism on our college campuses, I condemned these actions by groups like the Party of Socialism & Liberation, Democratic Socialists of America, and other sorry organizations calling for an end to American aid to Israel. I’ve also supported full funding for the Iron Dome Missile Defense System to keep Israel secure and save lives.

Additionally, in response to President Biden’s refusal to deploy military aid – approved by Congress – to Israel, I voted for the Israel Security Assistance Support Act, which requires the Biden administration to immediately deploy vital military support for Israel so that the people of Israel can defend themselves and their families from vicious Hamas terrorists.

The Biden administration’s decision to withhold military aid to Israel is a reckless betrayal of trust. Instead of standing with our allies, President Biden is caving to Hamas sympathizers, allowing radicals to dictate longstanding American foreign policy, and jeopardizing the lives of innocent Israelis.

During my time in Israel, I was deeply moved not only by the stories of courage and resilience in the face of terrorism, but also by the unthinkable loss of life and the dissolution of entire families. As the leader of the free world, it is our responsibility to stand up to those who so desperately wish for Israel’s demise and stand with our incredible allies. We must help Israel destroy these terrorist networks as they have publicly expressed that they will come for the United States next. For the sake of our national security, our alliance with Israel remains a vital bilateral relationship and a strong deterrent against terrorism.

As an unwavering advocate for Israel and our Jewish community here in the United States, I will continue to do everything possible to strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship, support the people of Israel during their hour of greatest need, and defeat terrorists wherever they lurk.

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Randy Feenstra, a Republican from Hull, represents Iowa’s Fourth District in the U.S. House.