Nebraska Panhandle News

Today marks one year since the October 7th Hamas attack that resulted in the deaths of dozens of Americans. U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts, alongside all 48 Senate Republican colleagues, has condemned Iran-backed Hamas for its actions and expressed support for Israel's survival. They have also called for the safe release of American hostages.

The resolution was led by U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, chair of the Republican Policy Committee. Ernst reflected on her experiences from last year: “This time last year, I woke up in the Middle East to the unbearable news that Israel was under attack by Iran-backed terrorists and Americans were being killed and taken hostage.” She emphasized her ongoing efforts to hold the White House accountable to its commitment to bring hostages home and cut off terrorism sources in Tehran.

Senator Ricketts has been vocal about his support for Israel's sovereignty and their right to defend themselves against threats from Iran and its proxies. Following last year's attack, he introduced legislation aiming to permanently ban U.S. funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), citing reports of UNRWA staff involvement in Hamas' attack on Israel.

Over the past year, Ricketts has criticized the Biden-Harris administration's stance regarding allies like Israel. He questioned Vice President Kamala Harris' decision not to preside over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress and confronted Secretary of State Antony Blinken on issues related to U.S. aid conditioning.

Ricketts also labeled the United Nations as an "antisemitic organization" and called for action against the International Criminal Court (ICC) due to its perceived role in emboldening terrorists.