Standing with Israel

By U.S. Sen. John Boozman
R-Arkansas

There is no greater friend to the United States in the Middle East than Israel, our longtime ally and partner. The bond between our countries has frequently been tested, yet it is stronger than ever and must remain so.

In the aftermath of the brutal Oct. 7, 2023, attack on over 2,000 innocent victims in Israel, including some American citizens, our steadfast support for the Jewish State was vital as it vowed to deliver justice while protecting its sovereignty and security – not just from Hamas but against other enemies that might seek to exploit the chaos and vulnerability.

I recently joined dozens of my colleagues to introduce a Senate resolution marking the first anniversary of that vicious assault. We forcefully and fully condemned Hamas’ actions in addition to expressing our support for the eternal survival of Israel and calling for the safe release of American hostages.

We also recognized the importance of standing united in opposing the violent antisemitic protests that sprang up soon after on college campuses and in the streets of U.S. cities, because those fringe views do not represent most Arkansans or Americans who see Israel as a trusted, special friend.

Now, those forces are working once again to undermine and isolate Israel in troubling ways. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is the latest venue.

Anti-Israel sentiments and false equivalencies have been elevated to an alarming level there. The ICC recently issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister alongside a top Hamas military commander. This outrageous and shameful campaign irresponsibly comparing Israel’s self-defense to a U.S.-designated terrorist group’s barbaric tactics should be a devastating blow to its own credibility.

Sadly, attempts to thwart Israel’s efforts to prevent its own annihilation at the hands of Hamas and other Iran-backed proxies like Hezbollah have also occurred in the U.S. Senate.

Over a dozen Senate Democrats moved to block arms sales, including weapons, ammunition and equipment, to Israel at a time when it is facing an existential threat. Thankfully, the overwhelming majority of my colleagues joined me in voting down these unacceptable and extremist measures. And further efforts in the Senate are underway to stand with Israel, diplomatically and economically.

I was pleased to join Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) on legislation to combat the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) Movement against it by prohibiting the Biden-Harris administration from reversing current guidelines that require Israeli goods produced in areas where Israel exercises the relevant authorities to be labeled as “Made in Israel.” The United States should have no part in any policies that embolden activists seeking to undermine Israeli enterprises and potentially fuel antisemitism.

The state of Israel is also about to welcome a very vocal proponent next year when the Trump administration installs former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as our nation’s ambassador to the Holy Land. He deeply understands the importance of our relationship with the Jewish State and will work tirelessly to protect and strengthen it. I look forward to supporting his nomination in the Senate and seeing him move expeditiously to reinforce America’s goodwill toward Israel, including its safety and prosperity.

Our focus must remain on continually confronting and defeating proposals that delegitimize Israel or jeopardize its security. I will always work in a bipartisan way to ensure that is the case and protect our vital partnership.