House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik spoke at the Israeli Knesset, advocating for the wiping out of those responsible for the October 7 terrorist attacks and calling for a return to former President Donald Trump’s policies. She critiqued the Biden administration for blocking military aid to Israel, stating that there is “no excuse” for this action. Stefanik emphasized the need for the US to support Israel in the conflict against Hamas and condemned the spreading of antisemitism in powerful Western institutions.
Stefanik, who is considered a potential vice-presidential pick for the GOP, has been vocal about reports of antisemitism on college campuses, gaining attention for her scrutiny of university presidents. She labeled pro-Palestinian protesters on college campuses as “cosplaying Hamas” and stressed the importance of ideological self-defense against antisemitism. Stefanik criticized Biden for blocking military aid to Israel and praised Trump for his support of Israel’s security, highlighting the difference between the White House and House GOP on this issue.
In response to Biden’s decision to pause some weapons shipments to Israel, Stefanik questioned the president’s commitment to Israel’s security and contrasted the stance of the House GOP, affirming their support for Israel. She commended the House-passed bill preventing Biden from interfering with approved arms transfers to Israel. Stefanik attributed civilian deaths in Gaza to Hamas’ use of “civilian shields” and defended Israel’s human rights record, asserting that the US stands firmly with Israel in the conflict against Hamas.
The Biden administration, while acknowledging the use of US weapons by Israeli forces in Gaza in ways inconsistent with international humanitarian law, has not officially accused Israel of violating the law during the war. Biden has stated that he would halt weapons shipments to Israel if Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered a major invasion of Rafah. Stefanik criticized Biden for his handling of the US-Israel relationship and emphasized the need for moral leadership from House Republicans in supporting Israel during the conflict with Hamas.
Stefanik’s speech at the Israeli Knesset marked the highest-ranking House Republican to address the governing body since the October 7 attacks. She reiterated the importance of total victory over the enemy in both physical and ideological self-defense against antisemitism. Stefanik emphasized the need for the US to stand with Israel and called on House Republicans to fill the moral leadership void in supporting Israel. Despite human rights groups accusing Israel of war crimes during the conflict, Stefanik defended Israel’s human rights record and stated that the US proud stands with Israel.
