With the US elections just a month away, the race is heating up between the Democrats and Republicans. In the latest development, JD Vance, Donald Trump’s running mate and the Republican vice presidential candidate, has launched a scathing attack on the Harris-Biden administration over their handling of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.
Speaking at a “Standing with Israel” rally on the National Mall, organized to mark one year since the Israel-Hamas war, Vance declared that the Hamas attack was not just an assault on Israel or Jews, but an attack on Americans. He wore a hostage tag at the memorial, symbolizing the ongoing plight of Americans held captive in Gaza.
Vance further slammed Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden for their perceived inaction in securing the release of American and Israeli hostages held by Hamas for a year. He called it “disgraceful” that they haven’t taken decisive action to bring these individuals home and urged Harris to use her authority to get it done. “We just need real leadership,” he emphasized.
While Biden and Harris have reportedly been working towards a ceasefire and hostage agreement, their efforts have so far been unsuccessful.
Focusing on what a Trump administration would do, Vance outlined a plan to protect American Jews. He stated that a Trump presidency would cut funding for groups perceived as anti-Jewish, prioritize the return of all American hostages worldwide, and revoke federal support from colleges that fail to protect pro-Israel students.
Vance also expressed support for Israel’s right to retaliate against Hamas, stating, “We want to give Israel the right and the ability to finish what Hamas started. Israel didn’t start this, Hamas did, but Israel is going to finish it.”
This strong rhetoric from Trump’s running mate highlights the stakes involved in the upcoming election, especially regarding US foreign policy and the administration’s stance on Israel and the ongoing conflict. It’s a clear indication that the issue of the Hamas attack will remain a central point of debate in the campaign.
