Duval Times

Since October 7, 2023, Israel has faced numerous terrorist attacks from Iran and its proxies, including Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and Hezbollah. In response to these events, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) has expressed concerns over the Biden-Harris Administration's approach towards Israel.

Senator Rubio sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken regarding the administration’s recent decision to impose sanctions on Israeli entities and individuals. He argued that such actions undermine Israel’s ability to manage its internal affairs and combat terrorism effectively.

“Israel has a functioning judicial system that is fully capable of prosecuting crimes committed within its borders," Rubio stated in his letter. "Instead of allowing Israel to carry out their duty to investigate and prosecute any alleged crimes, this administration continues to insert itself, in what many could only surmise as appeasing the progressives in the party.”

The letter specifically addressed the U.S. Department of State’s decision to sanction an Israeli non-governmental organization (NGO), HashomerYosh, which supports Meitarim Farm, and Yitzhak Levi Filant, a civilian security coordinator accused of engaging in “malign activities outside the scope of his authority.”

Rubio highlighted that on October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an attack on Israel resulting in over 1,000 casualties. He emphasized that despite public support for Israel’s right to self-defense from the Biden-Harris Administration, certain policies have hindered Israel's operational freedom.

Rubio urged Secretary Blinken to reconsider these sanctions and adopt a stronger stance against those threatening Israel and regional stability. He concluded by warning that failure to do so would be viewed unfavorably by history.