Incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune vowed Tuesday renewed backing for Israel when Republicans take control of the chamber in January 2025.
"To our allies in Israel and to the Jewish people around the world, my message to you is this: Reinforcements are on the way," declared Thune, who is set to assume leadership of the Senate in six weeks.
The senior senator from South Dakota sharply criticized what he characterized as Democratic hesitation to support Israel in the aftermath of the Oct. 7 Hamas massacre, referencing an upcoming resolution by Senator Bernie Sanders that would seek to deny lethal aid to Israel.
To our allies in Israel, and to the Jewish people around the world, my message to you is this: Reinforcements are on the way.
In six weeks, Republicans will reclaim the Senate majority, and we will make clear that the United States Congress stands squarely in Israel's corner. pic.twitter.com/4SaWDmWOMY
— Senator John Thune (@SenJohnThune) November 19, 2024
Thune took particular aim at the International Criminal Court, condemning Prosecutor Karim Khan's pursuit of warrants against Israeli officials as "outrageous and unlawful." He called on current Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to advance legislation that would impose sanctions on the ICC, noting that the House has already passed such a measure with bipartisan support.
"If he refuses to act, our Senate Republican majority next year will," Thune asserted, laying out a clear legislative agenda for the incoming Republican majority.
The future majority leader emphasized that under Republican control, the Senate would work with the Trump-Vance administration to "defend Israel and promote peace in the region." He argued that Democratic reluctance to fully support Israel and confront antisemitism has "enabled bad behaviour and bad actors around the world."
Thune, who has consistently backed pro-Israel legislation throughout his career, including co-sponsoring the Israel Anti-Boycott Act in 2017, emphasized the incoming Republican majority's commitment to strengthening U.S.-Israel relations, saying, "We'll stand with Israel and make this and other supportive legislation a top priority in the next Congress."
