Rep. Andy Barr believes that if the White House’s wishes for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war were active, four Israeli hostages would never have been rescued Saturday.
Republicans have mostly rebuked President Biden for his cease-fire push, arguing that Israel should wipe out Hamas after the terrorist organization’s attack on Oct. 7.
Israeli forces rescued the four Saturday from Gaza while fighting rages in the region.
“This good news would have never happened with a cease-fire,” Mr. Barr, Kentucky Republican, said on X. “Thank God Israel’s leaders have ignored the extreme far-left antisemitic voices on America’s college campuses, at the United Nations and even in Congress calling for a cease-fire in Gaza. The operation must continue until every hostage is rescued or recovered.”
Mr. Biden unveiled a three-phase plan for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas that would see the end of hostilities, the return of the hostages on both sides and the reconstruction of war-torn Gaza.
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement Saturday that the U.S. supports “all efforts” that would lead to the release of hostages held by Hamas, but still contended that a cease-fire is the best option.
“The hostage release and cease-fire deal that is now on the table would secure the release of all the remaining hostages together with security assurances for Israel and relief for the innocent civilians in Gaza,” Mr. Sullivan said. “This deal has the full backing of the United States and has been endorsed by countries from around the world, including the G7, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, UAE and Qatar, as well as the 16 countries with their citizens still being held by Hamas. They all must be released — now.”
The plan has met with resistance domestically and abroad. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu scoffed at halting his plan to destroy Hamas, and the Israel Defense Forces argued that while half of Hamas’ fighting force was eviscerated, the terrorist group remains a threat.
Mr. Netanyahu is slated to address a joint session of Congress on July 24.
Earlier this week, the House voted to sanction the International Criminal Court for its threat to arrest Mr. Netanyahu and other Israeli officials. The vote proved divisive for House Democrats, with 42 voting in favor of the legislation along with all Republicans.
• Alex Miller can be reached at amiller@washingtontimes.com.
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