In a resolute stand for international solidarity and domestic security, 19 Republican governors led by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) on Friday dispatched a letter to Joe Biden, criticizing what they describe as an “appeasement-first foreign policy.” The demand emerges as part of the brutal conflict that has enveloped Israel following a series of heinous attacks instigated by the Iran-backed terrorist group Hamas.
“We write today to make clear that our states absolutely condemn these heinous acts of terrorism led by Iran-backed Hamas and proudly stand with Israel and the Jewish people,” delineated the letter, further highlighting a perceived inadequacy in the Biden administration’s preliminary response. The GOP governors perceive the initial call for a ceasefire as a misstep that has generated “dangerous confusion,” potentially emboldening terror group sponsors to prolong their aggressive tactics against Israel.
19 Republican Governors Make 4 Demands Of Biden On Israel In Letter Slamming His Weakness https://t.co/KWh0tz8YIq
— DLW🍊 (@Dlw20161950) October 14, 2023
The governors, representing states across the country, from Texas to New Hampshire, have posited a four-pronged appeal within their correspondence. Initially, they have underscored the importance of safeguarding American lives, noting the tragic loss of 27 American citizens to the Hamas terrorists, with additional Americans presently held hostage. The governors articulated, “Your administration should not rest until these Americans safely return to American soil. We also ask that you promptly communicate any continuing losses of American life to the states so that we can provide support and assistance to impacted families.”
Secondly, the leaders have accented a plea for Biden to tender “unequivocal support” to Israel amid its ongoing defense against the aggressions of Hamas. This situation has seen civilians in the crossfire, with casualties tragically surmounting, indicative of a critical international crisis.
Today, alongside fellow Republican governors, I called on the Biden Administration to unequivocally condemn Hamas' attacks, to support Israel’s unquestioned right to respond and defend itself, to cease appeasement in Iran, and to protect our citizens.https://t.co/IsaWml4OgL
— Governor Joe Lombardo (@JosephMLombardo) October 13, 2023
On the global front, the governors have called for the Biden administration to staunchly cease its “appeasement and empowerment” of Iran, unequivocally identified as “the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism.” Their letter amplifies a demand for an “immediate freeze of the $6 billion ransom payment made to the terror state and an expansion of sanctions against the Iranian regime.”
Lastly, an appeal has been made to seal the Southern Border, an action deemed vital by the governors to safeguard Americans from analogous threats within the homeland.
DeSantis, currently engaged in the Republican primary race for the party’s presidential nomination, has also exhibited a pragmatic approach to the international crisis, initiating “logistical, rescue and evacuation operations” to extricate Floridians from the war-embroiled Israel.
In their closing remarks, the governors appealed to the Biden administration to provide “immediate attention” to their outlined concerns, conjoining a reminder of the watchful eyes of the global community upon the United States, a nation whose leadership role is deemed pivotal during the current international chaos.
This convergence of Republican governors, coalescing around a uniformed message, affirms a commitment to the historic U.S.-Israel alliance while spotlighting the current administration’s approach to foreign policy and national security. Thus, as Israel grapples with violent onslaughts and the U.S. navigates its role internationally, the discourse between federal and state leadership emerges as a critical dialogue in sculpting the nation’s path forward.
The governors have posited a direct connection between international actions and domestic repercussions, underscoring their belief that a firm stance abroad can safeguard allies and secure the home front.
