‘What we must do now is deliver a decisive blow to Hamas that leaves no room for interpretation.’
By Shula Rosen
Kicking off his trip to Washington DC, Knesset speaker Amir Ohana stressed to US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan that Hamas must be completely defeated to ensure the security of Israel.
Thanking the Biden Administration for its support, particularly at the beginning of the war and during the release of hostages, including US citizens, Ohana emphasized the need to continue battling Hamas.
He said, “No Israeli will accept a return to the pre-conflict reality from October, whether it be in the settlements of the Western Negev or along the northern border.”
“It is an unsustainable reality. What we must do now is deliver a decisive blow to Hamas that leaves no room for interpretation,” Ohana added.
In addition, Ohana stated that a powerful message must be sent to Iran which backs Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis.
“Iran must feel the strength of the determination of the free world,” Ohana added.
“This terrorism is orchestrated by the head of the snake, Iran, which operates its proxies against U.S. forces, Israel, and the free world in the Middle East. It also poses a threat the the freedom of international navigation.”
Ohana explained, “These are critical days that may determine the fate of the entire region. The axis of evil – Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthis – and Iran’s leadership must feel the strength of the determination of the free world, manifesting as a diplomatic and military iron wall.”
Later on Monday, Ohana met with Homeland Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas as well as families of hostages still held in Gaza.
On Tuesday, Ohana is scheduled to meet with Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson.
Mike Johnson recently voiced support for a $17.6 billion aid package to assist Israel in its war against Hamas; a move a White House spokesperson dismissed as a “cynical political maneuver.”
The House bill is in contrast to a Senate bill that would link aid to Israel to funding for Ukraine and a compromise on plans to increase security on the US-Mexican border.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said the funding bill, created by the House Appropriations panel, will be voted on next week.