Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer strongly criticized recent protests in the United States against Israel’s retaliatory actions in Gaza, as well as the calls for a ceasefire from some of his fellow Democrats. He and other lawmakers were compelled to take shelter in a Tel Aviv air raid facility as they awaited safety during rocket attacks by Hamas.

Schumer, a Democrat from New York, expressed his commitment to ensuring that Israel has access to all necessary resources to completely eradicate the terrorist group from the Gaza Strip. He also voiced his feeling of vindication for opposing former President Barack Obama’s release of funds to Iran in light of Iran’s support for Hamas.

Regarding the calls for a ceasefire, Schumer stated, “If the threat of Hamas is not eliminated, they will do it again,” specifically addressing House Democrats, including New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

During their visit, Schumer and the four other senators in the delegation met with relatives of some of the 150 people believed to have been taken hostage by Hamas, which governs the Palestinian territory.

“I wish protesters could have listened to the 12 families we had whose people, whose relatives were taken hostage,” Schumer told The NY Post, referring to pro-Palestinian demonstrators who have taken to the streets in the US – including in New York and Washington DC – to call out Israel’s military response against Gaza. “Every one, every one of the senators was crying, all the people were crying. And I said, ‘I wish those who think Israel is wrong would just listen to these parents and the anguish they face through a brutal, brutal Hamas,’” he said.

Schumer also expressed confidence that Iran would not receive any of the $6 billion in unfrozen oil revenue as part of a prisoner swap agreed upon by President Biden in August. He pointed out the debate over whether Iran was involved in planning the recent events and supporting Hamas, underscoring his concerns about Iran’s role in funding terrorism.

Schumer was accompanied on the trip by Senators Bill Cassidy, Jacky Rosen, Mark Kelly, and Mitt Romney. They sought refuge in a bomb shelter during air-raid warnings caused by rocket attacks from Gaza.

As the first Jewish leader of either chamber of Congress, Schumer revealed that he had prepared an extensive list of both defensive and offensive weapons that the United States could provide to Israel to assist in defeating Hamas. He assured that they were working on a comprehensive aid package based on Israel’s needs, which included items such as additional Iron Dome systems and 155-millimeter shells.

The senators experienced firsthand the reality of Israeli life when air raid sirens interrupted their lunch at a restaurant, prompting them to seek shelter.

In addition to meeting with family members of those held captive in Gaza, the senators held discussions with senior Israeli political leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition leaders Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid.

Schumer conveyed a message of unwavering support to the Israeli government, assuring them that the United States stands with them through thick and thin.

The veteran Democrat, and first Jewish leader of either chamber of Congress, said he had drafted a “long, extensive list” of defensive and offensive weapons that the US could send to Israel to help “vanquish” Hamas.

“I told the prime minister and everybody else we are putting together a big package,” he said, referring to Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. “We asked them what their needs were. Some of them are for more Iron Dome stuff. Some of them is for 155 millimeter shells… We’re gonna give them everything they need. We told them we will give them everything they need.”

While Schumer did not provide specific details about the size of the military aid package, he confirmed that it would be substantial. He did not address whether these funds would be separated from other, potentially more controversial requests by the Biden administration, such as aid for Ukraine.

Schumer highlighted the primary goal of their trip, which was to compile an extensive list of Israel’s military, intelligence, and humanitarian requirements. The urgency of addressing the threat posed by Hamas and finding the hostages was paramount.

Regarding Israel’s military operation, Schumer emphasized the need for a decisive response to Hamas and their long-term goal of eliminating Israel. He acknowledged the difficulties faced by Israel in minimizing civilian casualties while Hamas obstructs their efforts.

{Matzav.com}