For decades, the U.S.-Israel relationship has been based on a shared commitment to democracy and security in an unstable region. Imposing conditions on military aid undermines this partnership. Even President Biden himself rejected this approach during his campaign, acknowledging Israel as our closest ally in the Middle East. At a time when Israel is fighting for its survival against a relentless terrorist threat, withholding aid sends the wrong message—not just to Israel, but to the world. Let’s be clear: the crisis in Gaza is a direct result of Hamas, a terrorist organization that uses civilians as human shields. Israel isn’t arbitrarily withholding aid—it’s trying to dismantle the very forces that created this crisis. Its first priority must be the safety of its own citizens and the right to defend itself.

This morning's Israeli strike in Lebanon taking down Salah Al-Arouri, a key Hamas leader and designated global terrorist since 2015, marks a pivotal moment in the escalating regional conflict. Context is key. 1/ This strike in Lebanon, in addition to Israel's recent strikes in Syria, must be understood in the backdrop of an escalating conflict with Iran as Hizballah and other Iranian-backed groups position themselves in western Syria opposite Israel's Golan Heights. 2/