WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Senator Rick Scott issued the following statement slamming Secretary of State Antony Blinken's threat to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel's plans to enter Rafah as it fights to eliminate Iran-backed Hamas terrorists and rescue hostages. On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists killed more than 1,200 people in Israel and have held hundreds hostage for the 169 days since the attack, including Americans.

Senator Rick Scott said, "The Biden administration's continued threats to Israel as it fights against terrorism that wishes to end its existence are shameful. It's illegitimate coercion against our ally and the only democracy in the Middle East to appease radical Left Hamas sympathizers. On October 7, Iran-backed Hamas terrorists stormed into Israel and slaughtered innocent families—beheading babies, raping women and children and burning families alive. Hamas killed more than 1,200 people that day and continues to hold hundreds hostage, including Americans. Have Biden and Blinken forgotten that? If Israel believes entering Rafah is necessary to eliminate Hamas, rescue hostages and end this war, the United States must stand 100% behind that mission."

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