U.S. Senator Jim Risch, a Republican from Idaho and the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has issued a statement on the eve of the first anniversary of an attack by Hamas on Israel that occurred on October 7 last year. The statement was released from Boise, Idaho.
Risch reflected on the impact of the attack, stating: “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.” He expressed disappointment that global unity in condemning these attacks has not been achieved, saying, “A year on, one would hope the free world would be united in condemning these horrific attacks, and in defense of the Israeli and Jewish people, but unfortunately that is not the case.”
The senator also highlighted ongoing threats to Israel’s security. “Iran and its proxies continue to threaten the safety and security of the Israeli people,” he said. Risch noted that “Hamas continues to hold innocent hostages in Gaza,” while groups like Tehran, Houthis, and Hezbollah have launched rockets towards Israel.
Risch supported Israel’s stance against terrorist organizations: “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 certain actions he perceives as undermining Israel: “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.” According to Risch, such actions harm U.S.-Israel relations and embolden adversaries like Iran.
Concluding his statement, Risch affirmed 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.”
