Lankford Makes Trip to Israel; Visits Nova Festival Site and Meets with Families of Hostages, Survivors of October 7 Massacre

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Senator James Lankford (R-OK) joined Representatives Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Randy Weber (R-TX), and Brandon Williams (R-NY), this week on a delegation trip to Israel. While there, Lankford visited towns in Israel that border the Gaza strip, toured Kibbutz Nir Oz, met with the survivors and families of the hostages of the October 7^th massacre, visited the Nova Festival site and spent a day along the border with Lebanon. Lankford spent Easter Sunday service at the Garden Tomb.

The Members also met with the Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, and Knesset Speaker MK Amir Ohana. Lankford also addressed the Abraham Accords Caucus at the Knesset in a special meeting with the Abraham Accords Peace Institute.

“Since October, the world seems to have forgotten that on October 7, 2023, Israel was ruthlessly attacked by Hamas terrorists during the Jewish holiday of Shemini Atzeret. America should be clear in our strong support for Israel. 

“I made it clear to Israeli leadership this week that Israel is our ally and friend, and we will stand with them as they fight the brutal terrorists that attacked them. We value all civilians, but terrorist organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah have shown over and over that they do not care about any civilian life. 

“America should work to bring peace in the Middle East and encourage our friends in the region to push back against Hamas. The greatest gift to Hamas is a weak American stance with Israel. In the last 36 hours, Hamas and Hezbollah have launched rockets toward civilians in Israel. We should never equivocate on our opposition to terrorism or give a hint to Hamas that America will not stand for freedom.”

Lankford is the co-founder and the co-chair of the Senate Abraham Accords Caucus. In January 2023, Lankford and Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) led an historic, bipartisan delegation visit to Abraham Accord countries, including Israel.

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