On Saturday’s CNN Newsroom, Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, said the Biden administration should seek to “de-escalate tensions as fully as possible” toward Israel. He said that he believed that he would advise him. Smith also said that Iran’s attacks on Israel “highlight the need to reach a ceasefire in Gaza, bring humanitarian aid to Gaza and set an endpoint to that conflict, and Israel’s right to defend itself there.” I completely and without a doubt accept that.” But things need to calm down or Israel will be vulnerable in the region. ”
Smith said the Iranian attack appeared to be a “one-off.”
Moderator Alex Marquardt then asked, “Congressman, what do you think is the message to Israel from the Biden administration in terms of response?” On some level, did you know this was going to happen, and if it’s not that bad, do you just put up with it, or is the United States okay with, for example, Israel responding appropriately to Iran? ”
Mr. Smith replied: “I think the message to Israel is, okay, don’t worry about it, it’s in the long-term best interest here? Israel is under threat from Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, etc. , located in the middle of a very dangerous region. Do they want to commit all their efforts to the conflict? I would say no, and the Biden administration would also advise them no. They are weak. I think they should try to de-escalate tensions as fully as possible because of the position they are in. They are still very strong and can defend themselves. There is no risk of all-out war to prove that point. There is no need to jeopardize the conflict, and this means ending the conflict by achieving a ceasefire in Gaza, bringing humanitarian aid to Gaza, and fully and unquestionably recognizing Israel’s right to defend itself in Gaza. “I also think it emphasizes the need. But things need to calm down, otherwise Israel will be vulnerable in the region.”
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