A Party Divided: Protestors Scream at Secretary of State Blinken During Senate Hearing on Israel Aid
A U.S. Senate committee meeting, meant to discuss extra financial aid for Israel in its fight against Hamas, turned into a shouting match this Tuesday.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who was supposed to lead the conversation, found himself interrupted by passionate protesters in the room. This heated scene offers a snapshot of the Democrat Party’s increasingly divided stance on its role in the Israel-Hamas war.
The meeting came just weeks after Hamas terrorists attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, brutally butchering 1,400, leaving over 5,000 wounded and over 250 people taken hostage into Gaza. They showed no mercy as many women, children, infants and elderly were killed or captured.
The unfathomable attack led to the current conflict between Israel and Hamas. Israel is determined to see the war through with the goal of eliminating Hamas so that its people can live in peace. The United States was quick to condemn the attack and has taken a strong position of support for Israel.
As soon as Blinken started speaking, a man yelled, “stop supporting the genocide and ethnic cleansing of the people of Gaza.” Another protester followed shortly, holding a sign that read, “No More $$$ 4 Israel,” and accused the senators of not calling for peace.
A woman, identifying herself as a former Army colonel and diplomat, made the situation even tenser. “I resigned on that war in Iraq that you talked about. That was a terrible thing. And what we’re doing right now in supporting Israel’s genocide of Gaza is a terrible thing, too,” she said.
Despite the chaos, Blinken continued with his statement. He emphasized that the funding request from President Biden is aimed at providing “enduring support to Israel and Ukraine to democracies under brutal assault by actors determined to wipe their nations off the map.”
Blinken highlighted that the extra aid would bolster the existing diplomatic and security measures, especially after “Hamas’ appalling slaughter” that kicked off the recent conflict in southern Israel.
Blinken also acknowledged the strong feelings in the room. “All of us are committed to the protection of civilian life. All of us know the suffering that is taking place as we speak. All of us are determined to see it end,” he said.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already said a ceasefire is out of the question. “Calls for a ceasefire are calls for Israel to surrender to Hamas, to surrender to terrorism, to surrender to barbarism. That will not happen,” he stated.
Blinken, undeterred, also stressed the need to stand by allies like Israel when their safety is in jeopardy. “That’s what’s happening now. We stand resolutely with them as we stand resolutely for the protection of innocent civilians,” he added.
For conservatives, this unruly committee meeting highlights the cracks in the Democrat party. The party is supported by Jews and Muslims alike but they clearly do not support each other.
While both groups make up a small percentage of the voting population, Muslim activists have already threatened withdrawing support from Biden and any Democrat that supports Israel.
By the end of the hearing, over a dozen hecklers were removed by security, and police gathered outside the meeting room.
Senator Patty Murray, D-Wash., the Senate Appropriations Committee chair, expressed her gratitude to the Capitol Police for maintaining order.
“Secretary Blinken, I just really want to thank the Capitol Police for their very calm and professional manner. We all appreciate it.”
