Tennessee delegation asks White House to ‘act swiftly,’ aid Israel amid Hamas attacks

Republicans in Tennessee’s Congressional delegation are calling for the Biden Administration to “act swiftly and strongly” to provide weapons and aid to Israel as it defends against an unprecedented deadly attack from Hamas over the weekend.

Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, a U.S. State Department-designated terror organization, launched its surprise attack on Israel Saturday, killing nearly 1,200 Israelis and wounding more than 2,000. Videos posted online of the violence depict civilian women and children dragged by their hair into cars, bodies of victims killed at a rave in southern Israel, and at bus stops, and a holocaust survivor being taken hostage. At least eleven Americans were killed in the attacks, according to a statement from the White House on Monday, and more may be hostages.

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Israel formally declared war on Hamas Sunday, countering with a deadly bombing campaign, which has killed more than 500 civilians in Gaza, including many children.

Hamas claims it has taken more than 100 hostages, including some Israeli army personnel. On Monday, the group announced that it would begin killing hostages one-by-one, on live broadcast, whenever Israeli strikes hit Gaza civilians without warning.

'Punish the terrorists'

Led by U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, nine of the 10 Republicans in Tennessee’s delegation sent a letter to President Joe Biden on Sunday, calling for the U.S. to provide weapons to Israel as it engages in self-defense.

“We urge this administration to support Israel however possible, including by providing any and all weapons and munitions necessary, and to punish the terrorists who did this, along with those who aid them,” the delegation wrote.

Co-signers of the bill include U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., and U.S. Reps. Diana Harshbarger, Tim Burchett, Chuck Fleischmann, Scott DesJarlais, Andy Ogles, John Rose, and Mark Green, all Tennessee Republicans.

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U.S. Rep. David Kustoff, R-Germantown, and U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Memphis, did not sign the letter. Cohen, who serves as dean of the Tennessee U.S. House delegation, told The Tennessean that he was never asked to sign on to the letter and had not seen a copy before it was released.

In a statement Saturday, he denounced the attack.

"The footage coming out of #Israel is abhorrent. It is undeniable that Hamas is engaged in terrorism—they are kidnapping and murdering civilians," Cohen shared in a tweet. "Israel’s enemies should know that America’s support for the Jewish people is unwavering. We will support our allies, now and always."

In the letter Sunday, members assigned blame to the Biden Administration for helping to fund the Hamas attack on Israel — a close ally of the United States in the Middle East.

Last month, the United States approved the release of $6 billion in sanctioned funds to Iran amid negotiations over a U.S.-Iran prisoner swap, meant to be spent on humanitarian efforts. A spokesman for Hamas’ military wing has said that the group received both weapons and financial support from Iran for the surprise attacks. Some reports have also indicated that military equipment and arms left behind during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan are now in Gaza under Hamas control.

Blackburn and others in the delegation have called for the U.S. to freeze the $6 billion in sanctions relief.

“The failures of this administration on the world stage have no doubt emboldened those who would wish America and our allies harm,” the delegation wrote. “The world needs American leadership, and this administration has left a void that the New Axis of Evil and terrorist groups like Hamas have already begun exploiting.”

The State Department has condemned the attack, will provide munitions to Israel and ordered U.S. military ships and aircraft closer to Israel as a show of support. The U.S. contributes about $3 billion in military aid to Israel every year.

“There is never any justification for terrorism. We stand in solidarity with the government and people of Israel and extend our condolences for the Israeli lives lost in these attacks,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement on Saturday. “The United States supports Israel’s right to defend itself.”

Delegation members are offering aid to any Tennesseans seeking assistance with the U.S. Embassy in Israel.

The Gaza strip to the southeast of Israel is controlled by Hamas and has a population of 2.2 million people. Gaza City is about 43 miles from Tel Aviv, and 49 miles from Jerusalem. The West Bank is controlled and governed by the Palestinian Authority. Hamas launched the attack during the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah.

Gov. Lee condemns attack

Gov. Bill Lee condemned Hamas' attack on Israel on Monday and said that state security agencies are in contact with synagogues across Tennessee to offer support.

"What happened to Israel, the attack from the Palestinians, was unprovoked and entirely inappropriate. It was a terrorist attack," Lee said. "We pray for this war to end peacefully as soon as possible. We pray for human beings of all kinds across the globe to not find themselves innocent victims of war."

Tennessee's Department of Safety has reached out to every synagogue in the state, to ensure streamlined communication and offer support in case of any threats.

"Anti-Semitism should not be tolerated in any form, in any way in this country," Lee said. "So we want people especially in the Jewish community in our state to understand and recognize that we do support them."

Lee is scheduled to attend a community "Stand with Israel" rally at Gordon Jewish Community Center in Nashville on Monday evening.

"Tennessee certainly stands with Israel," Lee added. "We have a long history of doing so in this country and in this state, and we'll continue to do that in any way that we can."

Nashville Police Chief John Drake said Monday that the police department is in contact with leaders of Jewish institutions throughout the city.

“We are working closely with them to offer our support, presence and guidance, while we reiterate our commitment to their safety,” Drake said in a statement.

Vivian Jones covers state government for The Tennessean. Reach her at vjones@tennessean.com or on X and Threads @Vivian_E_Jones.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee delegation asks White House to help Israel amid Hamas attack