Former US Presidents Issue Statements in Support of Israel

IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi Speaks with the troops. (Photo IDF)

World leaders are continuing to express their outrage at the slaughter of innocent people by the terrorist organization Hamas. Now all of the former US Presidents have issued declarations condemning Hamas and, significantly, called it a terrorist organization. They also left out the usual calls for restraint or a measured response from Israel in their statements. There was, of course, one exception.

Former President Bill Clinton stated, “I condemn the horrific terrorist assault carried out by Hamas in Israel, and mourn the senseless loss of life. My heart is with all those affected by the violence, including American families. Now is a time for the world to rally against terrorism and to support Israeli democracy. I stand with the government of Israel and all Israelis, and urge them to stand together. This is a moment to focus on purpose over politics.”

President Barack Obama released a statement saying, “All Americans should be horrified and outraged by the brazen terrorist attacks on Israel and the slaughter of innocent civilians. We grieve for those who died, pray for the safe return of those who’ve been held hostage, and stand squarely alongside our ally, Israel, as it dismantles Hamas. As we support Israel’s right to defend itself against terror, we must keep striving for a just and lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike.”

The George W. Bush Presidential Center in Texas said it “strongly condemns the heinous terrorist attacks on Israel that claimed scores of innocent civilians. We urge the United States and our allies to stand unequivocally with Israel, its government and people, and support Israel’s right to defend itself against these threats.”

The Quint, a group comprising the leaders of the UK, US, France, Germany and Italy, issued a strong condemnation of Hamas and in support of Israel.

“We make clear that the terrorist actions of Hamas have no justification, no legitimacy, and must be universally condemned,” they said. “There is never any justification for terrorism.”

“In recent days, the world has watched in horror as Hamas terrorists massacred families in their homes, slaughtered over 200 young people enjoying a music festival, and kidnapped elderly women, children, and entire families, who are now being held as hostages,” added the statement.

“Our countries will support Israel in its efforts to defend itself and its people against such atrocities,” pledged the leaders. “We further emphasize that this is not a moment for any party hostile to Israel to exploit these attacks to seek advantage.”

“All of us recognize the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, and support equal measures of justice and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians alike. But make no mistake: Hamas does not represent those aspirations, and it offers nothing for the Palestinian people other than more terror and bloodshed.”

However, former President Jimmy Carter’s Carter Center continued with his false equivalences between the sides and failed utterly to acknowledge the gravity of the current situation, nor did it condemn Hamas in any way.

“The Carter Center strongly condemns the targeting of Israeli and Palestinian civilians and calls for genuine dialogue as well as international collective action to halt hostilities in the region,” the organization said in a statement.

Refusing to acknowledge the difference of wholesale slaughter of innocent unarmed people and legitimate military attacks by a nation defending itself from such horrors, the Center went on to say, ““Our hearts are heavy with sorrow for the tragic loss of innocent lives on all sides of the conflict. We urge all parties to prioritize the protection and well-being of civilians by refraining from actions that target residential areas.”

Former President Carter, age 99, is himself infirmed and cannot issue a statement on his own behalf.