Op-Ed: Rep. Darrell Issa: Why Israel will always have my support
A leading House GOP foreign policy expert makes it clear why he supports America's closest ally in the Middle East.
On October 7th, 2023, I was preparing to board a flight from Saudi Arabia to Israel along with several of my Congressional colleagues. Then came the first reports and the continuing confirmations of the brutal and deadly attacks by Hamas that killed more than a thousand Israelis and saw hundreds more dragged into Gaza to be held as hostages.
Our hearts sank with the realization that this was Israel’s 9/11. Our flight was immediately redirected back to the United States.
Only days later, I returned to Israel and visited a kibbutz where terrorists carried out an unprovoked slaughter of civilians. There were blood stains and bullet holes on the walls. Homes were burned to the ground. We saw the ransacked possessions of the residents and the scattered toys of children. Again and again, we were shown residences and told: “No survivors.”
Two years later — and with the support of its strongest friends and a resolute Trump administration — Israel has rallied and rebuilt, answered anguish with action, and turned the tide against terror.
President Donald Trump has also remarkably coalesced the region behind his agenda of peace through strength. It is a signature achievement. I believe this is the hinge of history turning.
Our resolve for Israel is stronger than ever. It has to be. We must defend Israel’s very right to exist and live in peace and security with its neighbors.
Israel will always have my support.
Rep. Darrell Issa represents California’s 48th District in Congress. Issa serves as the Vice Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee and is a member of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee and the Oversight & Intelligence Subcommittee.