TEL AVIV, Israel — Elise Stefanik, a prominent House Republican leader and potential running mate for former President Donald Trump, made headlines with her speech before Israel’s parliament on Sunday. In her address, Stefanik criticized President Joe Biden’s handling of the conflict in Gaza, drawing attention from both sides of the political spectrum.
As the fourth highest-ranked Republican in the House of Representatives, Stefanik’s visit to Israel following the recent escalation of violence sparked by Hamas’ attack on Oct. 7 was significant. Addressing Israel’s parliament, known as the Knesset, is a rare opportunity for foreign politicians, making Stefanik’s speech even more noteworthy.
During a session focused on combatting antisemitism worldwide, Stefanik pledged to support Israel without conditions, vowing to combat antisemitism at home and provide the country with necessary aid. She specifically called out Biden’s decision to delay the delivery of bombs and refusal to provide offensive weapons for an Israeli invasion of Rafah, a move that has raised concerns about worsening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Stefanik’s strong support for Israel and criticism of the Biden administration’s policies have positioned her as a key figure in the ongoing debate over U.S. foreign policy in the region. With her close ties to Trump and reputation for addressing important issues like antisemitism, Stefanik’s visit to Israel and her remarks in the Knesset have captured the attention of both domestic and international audiences.