Khaled Salem, the Egyptian-born candidate running for the US Senate against Chuck Schumer in 2022, implored Israel and the United Nations on Tuesday to "finish the job" against Hamas by destroying all of the terrorist group's missiles and underground tunnels.
Salem specifically called on US President Joe Biden, the US Congress and NATO to support Israel and its people and not to give in to terrorist-sponsored Palestinian protests prompted by Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah.
"It is in the best interest of all peaceful nations to understand the dangerous, growing range of terrorist missiles launched at Israeli citizens from Gaza. I commend the Israeli military and admire its efforts over 11 days of fighting as Israel defends its citizens. The missiles pummelling Israel have a longer reach every year, now up to 150 kilometers (93 miles), because of Iranian-sponsored terrorist technology.
"Hamas, Hezbollah, Fatah, Iran, various Arab nations and Turkey are behind the scenes and intent on Israel's demise. I believe that it is crucial for America to support the Jewish State's governance of the West Bank, as 70% of Israel's Jewish population and 80% of Israel's industrial base are located within a 100 square mile area," he said.
Salem also said that if Hamas and Hezbollah gain access to the West Bank, which is also known as Judea and Samaria, Israel would be in mortal danger.
Salem was born in Egypt and raised in Kuwait. He immigrated to the United States in 1992.
In February, he urged Iran not to waste the opportunity to negotiate with the Biden administration over nuclear weapons.
"Iran and the United States do not need to be on a collision course," Salem said. "Yes, this could be a huge disaster, but this moment also presents an opportunity for both sides. Neither the US nor Iran wants a war, especially not a nuclear confrontation. It's a complex matter, but also relatively simple. If the countries involved elect to move towards peace and cooperation, any issues can be worked out in good faith. There are solutions. It will take skilled diplomacy and goodwill to make it happen."
Salem said he sees the current Iranian regime as aggravating geopolitical conditions in the Middle East to bolster its domestic support, an approach he said leads to heightened tension while also punishing the citizens of Iran because of foreign sanctions.
"The war-mongering benefits no one, except a power-hungry elite," Salem explained. "This needs to stop."
