US Lawmakers Meet With Netanyahu, Condemn ‘Savage’ Attacks on Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends the weekly cabinet meeting at his office in Jerusalem on Sept. 27, 2023. Abir Sultan/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Oct. 10 amid the attacks by the Iran-backed Hamas terrorist group on Israel.

The congressional delegation, or CODEL, was led by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), who was accompanied by Reps. Donald Norcross (D-N.J.), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), and Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.).

“Over the last week, I’ve led a bipartisan, bicameral CODEL to the Middle East. I was in #Israel earlier today to show my unwavering commitment to our allies and friends—including PM @netanyahu—and to hear directly from American citizens on the ground,” Ms. Ernst posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

“We stand shoulder to shoulder. We stand shoulder to shoulder so that we can go toe to toe with any terrorist going forward, especially those who committed, perpetrated these barbaric, these savage acts.”

During a press conference, Mr. Panetta said, “It is from that savagery though that we have our solidarity. And it was from our solidarity that we have our strength.

“We are here to let the people of Israel know, to let the world know, that we stand together, to ensure that we go forward in upholding all of our democratic values.”

Ms. Wasserman Schultz posted on X, “As I stood at the border of Jordan and Israel, I shared my experience these past few horrific and painful days. I stand in strong solidarity with the Israeli people. Am Yisrael Chai.”

At least 2,200 people reportedly have been killed—including 22 Americans—according to the Biden administration. Most of the deaths are on the Israeli side. According to the State Department, 17 Americans remain unaccounted for.

In response, Mr. Netanyahu declared war on the terrorist group.

“All the places that Hamas hides in, operates from, we will turn them into ruins,” he said.

Israel has launched retaliatory strikes in Gaza, which is now reportedly running out of electricity as the area is relying on generators to maintain power.