On a recent episode of FNC’s “Special Report,” Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) took a strong stance against the Biden-Harris administration’s approach to Israel, asserting that they have applied more pressure on Israel than on its adversaries, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. His remarks came in response to a discussion regarding Vice President Kamala Harris’s record in handling Middle Eastern conflicts, which he found unconvincing. Cotton emphasized that the administration’s prioritization of ceasefires and diplomatic sanctions over military support has harmed Israel’s capabilities to defend itself against threats.
Cotton articulated his dissatisfaction by critiquing the Biden administration’s timing and choices regarding military actions. He highlighted a contradiction in celebrating the elimination of Hassan Nasrallah, a key figure in Hezbollah, while simultaneously calling for a ceasefire against the group. This, he argues, indicates a lack of clarity and resolve in U.S. policy towards the ongoing conflict, especially when backed by Iranian forces. He noted that this approach risks emboldening those who seek to do harm to Israel, demonstrating a need for a more robust U.S. stance.
The senator expressed deep concern over the administration’s restrictions imposed on Israel’s military strategy, particularly regarding retaliatory actions against Iran. Cotton pointed out that despite the Iranian regime firing nearly 200 ballistic missiles aimed at Israeli civilian targets, the Biden administration has focused on limiting Israel’s response rather than supporting its right to defend itself. This, he believes, sends the wrong message to both Israel and its enemies, potentially leading to increased aggression against the Jewish state.
Cotton’s criticism extended to the Biden administration’s military assistance policies, particularly a de facto arms embargo affecting Israel’s access to critical weaponry. He claimed that essential intelligence sharing, which is vital for Israel’s security operations against groups like Hezbollah, has also been restricted under the current administration. Such limitations are seen as compromising Israel’s effectiveness in countering threats from its adversaries and undermining its security posture in the region.
Moreover, Cotton highlighted a perceived misalignment of U.S. foreign policy against anti-Israel sentiment, pointing out the administration’s siding with the United Nations over Israel in recent disputes. He imported a perspective that contrasts sharply with former President Donald Trump’s administration, which he claims supported Israel unequivocally. In Cotton’s view, Trump’s policies reflected a firm backing of Israel’s sovereignty and military strength, enabling the nation to act decisively against threats.
Ultimately, Sen. Cotton’s remarks encapsulate a broader criticism from certain Republican circles regarding the Biden administration’s diplomatic approach in the Middle East. He called for a return to a more assertive support model for Israel that prioritizes its right to self-defense and aligns with strategic interests in containing Iranian influence. Cotton’s assertions underscore ongoing debates regarding U.S. foreign policy direction, particularly in the intricate and volatile landscape of Middle Eastern geopolitics, where alignment and support can have far-reaching consequences for regional stability and security.