The Deadly Consequences of Democrat Negligence

The recent rocket strike that claimed the lives of at least 12 innocent children and teenagers in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights is a tragic reminder of what happens when our political leaders fail to stand firm in support of our allies. The Democrat Party's treatment of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his recent visit to the United States is a glaring example of such failure, and it has led to catastrophic consequences.

Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit should have been a moment of solidarity between two longstanding allies. Instead, it became a display of petty politics and disdain. Vice President Kamala Harris, the presiding officer of the Senate and presumptive Democrat presidential nominee, did not even show up when Netanyahu addressed a joint session of Congress, a first for a sitting Vice President in the modern era. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who claims to stand with Israel, refused to publicly shake Netanyahu's hand. Worst of all Democrat Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi went as far as to call Netanyahu's speech the worst presentation by any foreign dignitary in American history. Lame Duck Joe Biden was nowhere to be found.

These actions send a clear message to the rest of the world: America's support for Israel is wavering under Democrat leadership. This disgraceful display of disrespect did not go unnoticed by Israel's enemies. Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran saw an opportunity to strike while the Democrat Party busied itself with virtue signaling and political theater.

The strike on the soccer field in Majdal Shams, a Druze town in the Golan Heights, was the deadliest attack on Israeli civilians since Hamas's brutal assault on October 7. It is no coincidence this attack occurred immediately after Prime Minister Netanyahu was snubbed in Washington. The children playing soccer had no time to take shelter, and the aftermath was chaos and heartbreak. Parents are left mourning their children, and the community is shattered. Yet, where are the Democrat leaders now? Silent. Their previous outcries for the protection of children and civilians in Gaza does not apply to Israel.

The Democrat Party's actions, or rather inactions, have real-world consequences. By failing to show unequivocal support for Israel, they have signaled to terrorist organizations that now is the time to act. The Democrat leaders' cold shoulder to Netanyahu was perceived as a green light by those who seek to harm Israel.

It is a disheartening reality that in today's Democrat Party, there is support for the Hamas terrorists at the expense of Israel, America’s staunchest ally. The progressive wing of the party is the voice for Palestinian causes, completely overlooking the violent tactics and terrorist activities of Hamas, an Iranian puppet. This shift in sentiment is evident in the reluctance of most Democrat leaders to condemn Hamas's actions unequivocally, while they are quick to criticize Israel's defensive measures. This troubling trend not only undermines the decades-long, U.S.-Israel relationship, but also emboldens terrorist groups who interpret this ambiguity as tacit approval of their heinous actions. The Democrat Party's current stance reflects a dangerous departure from supporting a democratically elected Israeli government while endorsing groups that perpetuate violence and terror in the Middle East under Iran's influence.

Because of the lack of full support from the Biden Administration and Congressional Democrat leaders, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have been severely hampered in their efforts to remove Hamas from Gaza.

This tepid backing has translated into reduced diplomatic pressure on Hamas, limited military aid, and mixed messages about the U.S.'s commitment to Israel's right to defend itself. Consequently, Israel's strategic operations have been constrained, as they navigate international scrutiny and political backlash without the unequivocal support they have traditionally relied on from the United States. This lack of decisive support undermines the IDF's capacity to effectively neutralize Hamas, prolonging the conflict and allowing the terrorist organization, heavily backed by Iran, to regroup and continue its assault on Israeli civilians.

Supporting Israel is not, and should never be, a partisan issue. It is a matter of upholding democratic values, defending a great ally, and ensuring stability in a volatile region. Both Democrats and Republicans must recognize that unwavering support for Israel transcends political divides. This bipartisan solidarity sends a clear message to adversaries like Hamas and especially their Iranian backers.

The United States stands united in its commitment to Israel's security and sovereignty. To waver in this commitment is to embolden those who seek to undermine peace and democracy. Now more than ever, it is crucial for leaders across the political spectrum to come together and reaffirm their steadfast support for Israel, ensuring that it has the full backing needed to defend its people and secure a future free from terror.

Perry O Hooper Jr is a former State Representative who writes columns on his political perspective and has been published in a number of publications around Alabama and beyond. He was an early supporter of Donald Trump and was the 2016 Trump Victory Chair.

Opinions expressed in the Alabama Gazette are the opinions and viewpoints of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Alabama Gazette staff, advertisers, and/ publishers.