Republican Senator Rick Scott from Florida said on Sunday that it is crucial for Israel to go into Rafah to “destroy” the Palestinian militant group Hamas, despite warnings from the Biden administration against the action.
“First, they [Israel] require American backing; they must enter Rafah to eradicate Hamas,” Scott stated during an interview on “Fox News Sunday.”
The Florida Republican recently visited Israel. He visited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other government officials.President Biden and other administration officials have expressed concerns about Israel’s plans for Rafah, a city in Gaza bordering Egypt, where millions of evacuees are seeking refuge since the start of the war in early October.
Israeli leaders have affirmed their intention to proceed with an invasion of the southern Gaza city. Netanyahu stressed that there is no “alternative” to the invasion, which he believes is necessary to eliminate Hamas.
GOP Sen. Rick Scott from Florida stressed the need for American support but expressed certainty that Israel will enter Rafah to eliminate Hamas, regardless of U.S. support. said there is The conflict between Israel and Hamas has been ongoing for more than five months, with Hamas's surprise attack leaving 1,200 people dead and about 240 taken hostage, some of whom were released during a week-long cease-fire last year. Israel has been conducting a military campaign to dismantle Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization that has governed the Gaza Strip since 2007. The bombing of Gaza has resulted in the deaths of over 32,700 people since early October, according to The Associated Press.
The increasing death toll and widespread damage in Gaza have raised concerns among some lawmakers, particularly Democrats, about Israel’s wartime actions and plans.
Scott argued on Sunday that Democrats and the Biden administration should enhance their support for Israel.
“I believe the Biden administration and Democrats need to change their stance. They vote against aid to Israel,” Scott stated. “I mean, this is disgraceful…what the Biden administration is doing. Support Israel, they need to eliminate Hamas, then they’ll be able to reclaim their country.” The Hill contacted the White House for comment.
GOP Sen. Rick Scott (Fla.) on Sunday argued it is imperative that Israel goes into Rafah to “destroy” Palestinian militant group Hamas, despite warnings from the Biden administration against the move. “Number one, they [Israel] need American support; they have to go into Rafah to destroy Hamas,” Scott said during an interview on “Fox News…
Scott on Sunday argued Democrats and the Biden administration need to ramp up support for Israel.
“I think the Biden administration, Democrats need to change their tune. They vote against Israel aid,” Scott said. “I mean, this is disgusting…what the Biden administration is doing. Support Israel, they’ve got to kill Hamas, they’ll never get their country back.”
The Hill reached out to the White House for comment.
