NAPLES, Fla. – Today, Senator Rick Scott hosted a media availability shortly after his return from his sixth trip to Israel, during which he met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other high-ranking officials to discuss the United States’ and Israel’s shared priority of destroying Iran-backed Hamas terrorists that have killed thousands of individuals, and continue to hold hundreds hostage, including Americans, since the October 7, 2023 attacks. In recognition of Holy Week, Senator Scott visited the Western Wall to pray for the people of Israel and the immediate release of all hostages. He also toured Kfar Aza Kibbutz, which he first visited in 2019 and was destroyed during the October 7^th attacks, and met with soldiers from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and family members of individuals held hostage in Gaza. Along with Prime Minister Netanyahu, Senator Scott met with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, Israeli War Cabinet Member Benny Gantz and War Cabinet Observer Gadi Eisenkot. Yesterday, prior to his departure, Senator Scott released the following statement.

Senator Rick Scott said, “I visited Israel three times as governor of Florida, now a third time as Senator, and each time I’m reminded of the very real dangers to its existence Israel faces from terrorism and war. I went to Israel to listen, but also deliver an important message to Prime Minister Netanyahu and other high-ranking officials: my commitment to supporting Israel and protecting the valuable relationship Florida and America have with the Jewish State will never falter – we will see this through until Hamas is destroyed and every hostage, which include Americans, that have now spent 174 days in Hamas captivity are home. While President Biden and Democrats in Washington abandon Israel at the United Nations and on the world stage, I will not be silent. The State of Florida and Israel have always had a strong relationship, and I will not tolerate the Biden administration’s continued actions to cower to the radical left of their party in a disgusting and dangerous attempt to get votes from Hamas-sympathizers.

“Israel changed on October 7, 2023, when Iran-backed Hamas terrorists attacked and killed thousands of innocent people – but I made clear to Prime Minister Netanyahu and members of his administration that I stand firmly with them in making sure this day will not mark the end of the Jewish State. I reiterated this commitment when I spoke to family members of individuals taken hostage and IDF Soldiers who have seen and fought terrorism firsthand. They’re scarred by the unimaginable horrors of Iran-backed Hamas terrorists beheading babies, raping young women, murdering their loved ones and capturing their children to be held hostage. I saw the devastation Israel faces with my own eyes in Kibbutz Kfar Aza. The joyous community I visited years ago is now destroyed and reeling from the aftermath of October 7, with so many of its residents missing or dead. My visit to Israel has only reinforced the undeniable fact that the United States and Israel have a common security interest in destroying Hamas and getting hostages back home TODAY. At the Western Wall, I left a prayer for every hostage taken on October 7 to be freed today and returned home. War is terrible, but Israel cannot rest until Hamas is destroyed and the hostages, including Americans are home. I know that God is with the Israeli people and will deliver victory to his people and the Jewish State.”

Read more regarding every action and statement Sen. Scott has done in the wake of the October 7th Iran-backed Hamas terrorist attack: https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/israel

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