Staff Reports
In an impassioned speech at the Hudson Institute, Senator Tim Scott condemned President Joe Biden’s foreign policy “weakness” and expressed his outrage over the escalating violence in Israel and Gaza caused by the surprise Hamas attacks. Scott called for justice and demanded that those responsible for the terrorist attacks be brought to justice. He also emphasized the need to rescue American hostages held by Hamas, even suggesting the use of special operations forces if necessary.
Scott criticized President Biden’s prisoner exchange swap with Iran, which he believes indirectly supported Hamas’s terrorist attack by unfreezing $6 billion in assets for Iran. He held the president partly responsible for the Hamas attacks, accusing him of inviting the attack through his perceived weakness. Scott also expressed his disappointment with the administration’s suggestion that Israel should stand down after the attack.
The senator highlighted his legislation to extend Iran sanctions and his plans to sign it into law if elected president. He also called for an explanation from Secretary Janet Yellen regarding the $6 billion “slush fund” and advocated for cutting off funding to the United Nations’ Palestinian aid programs, which he deemed “irredeemably-flawed.”
Israel war: Tim Scott slams Biden's 'weakness' and criticizes 'Squad' members https://t.co/L1AgIocmY8
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) October 11, 2023
Scott didn’t just target the Biden administration; he also took aim at liberal Democratic House members, particularly those in the “Squad,” for their support of Palestine and criticism of Israel. He singled out Reps. Cori Bush, Ilhan Omar, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, and Pramila Jayapal for their comments, labeling them as offensive, anti-Israel, and anti-Semitic. The senator praised Ocasio-Cortez for denouncing antisemitism displayed during a recent rally but warned against weakness or confusion among conservatives on foreign policy, even mentioning specific Republican rivals, Vivek Ramaswamy and Governor Ron DeSantis.
In conclusion, Scott positioned himself as a strong leader who would restore American strength and foreign policy credibility, which he believes has been undermined by President Biden’s perceived weakness. With his sights set on the presidency, he vowed to bring stability and peace through strength.
