Former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton spoke out on social media, condemning the attack by Hamas on Israel, a longtime ally of the United States.
Their comments come days after Hamas terrorists attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing and kidnapping civilians, including women and children, and causing mayhem in Israel as the latest atrocity in a decades-long conflict.
President Obama posted a statement to X late in the afternoon on Oct. 9, 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.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu notably had a tense relationship with President Obama and criticized his Iran nuclear deal in a speech to the Republican-led House of Representatives in 2015.
President Clinton made his social media statement about an hour later on the evening of Oct. 9, two days after the initial attack, saying, “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.”
Other Diplomatic Statements
Former first lady Hillary Clinton’s statement came the day before on the afternoon of Oct. 8. She also spoke out on X, saying “My prayers are with everyone affected by the horrific attacks by Hamas in Israel. The United States stands in strong support of our ally today and every day.”Former first ladies Michelle Obama and Melania Trump have yet to make formal statements.
At least 11 Americans have been killed in Israel thus far due to the conflict.
“My heart goes out to every family impacted by the horrible events of the past few days,“ the president went on. ”The pain these families have endured, the enormity of their loss, and the agony of those still awaiting information is unfathomable.”
President Biden also asserted that “it is likely that American citizens may be among those being held by Hamas.”
Trump’s Take
Former President Donald Trump spoke to a crowd in Waterloo, Iowa, on Oct. 7, the day of the attack, addressing the violence in the Middle East, telling a crowd of prospective Iowa caucus-goers, “The Hamas terrorist invasion of Israeli territory and the murder of Israeli soldiers today, and the brutal murder of citizens, is an act of savagery that must and will be crushed. ... This is a time where the United States needs leadership.”The former president is also running for office to serve a second term as president in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. President Trump will likely face President Biden in another matchup much like 2020.
“Just four years ago we had the signing of the historic Abraham Accords, and today we have an attack on Israel,” President Trump went on. “What a difference a President makes!”
