On Monday, October 7, on the first anniversary of the barbaric Hamas massacre of more than 1200 Israelis, 85 retired U.S. generals and admirals published an open letter calling for unequivocal support for the Jewish state against the Iranian terror axis that includes Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis.
The letter began by acknowledging “Hamas’s barbaric attack on Israel,” and urged the United States “to learn a fundamental lesson from the past year: the critical imperative to support Israel fully in not only defending itself but also defeating our common adversaries.”
Full text below:
Today, a year after Hamas’s barbaric attack on Israel, we remember and mourn alongside Israel. However, as retired American military leaders witnessing the threats that Israel still faces from Iran’s terror network – from Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Iran itself – we also urge the United States to learn a fundamental lesson from the past year: the critical imperative to support Israel fully in not only defending itself but also defeating our common adversaries.
The war that the Iranian axis launched a year ago is not just a war against Israel, nor is it being fought only in the Middle East. Iran’s reign of terror transcends boundaries. Its drones rain down in Israel and Ukraine. Its proxies sink ships headed to Israel and Europe. Iran and its terror proxies do not distinguish between Israel and the United States. They not only regularly call for the destruction of both our countries, but they have attacked, kidnapped and killed Israelis and American alike in the last year, as well as in years before.
Its assassins plot murder against U.S. citizens in the American homeland. And its coffers are filled with Chinese funds. October 7 is not an isolated incident, but one front in a much larger global civilizational struggle.
Following Israel’s dismantling of Hamas’ organized military, Lebanon has become the next front in the struggle against Iran’s access. Iran-backed Hezbollah, with the blood of hundreds of U.S. service members and citizens on its hands, has driven tens of thousands of Israelis from their homes with their unceasing barrage of rockets over the past year. Now, Israel has taken the fight to Hezbollah. With American weapons and support, it is systematically degrading Hezbollah’s terror army, restoring deterrence, and dealing Iran’s strongest proxy a major blow. There should be no ceasefire until Israel’s operations have succeeded in creating the conditions necessary for its citizens to return to their homes to live in peace and security. So, too, should the United States arm and assist Israel as it responds to Iran’s latest attack against it.
Indeed, we have also learned another more hopeful lesson in the last year: when the United States and Israel stand together, these enemies can be deterred and defeated. We saw this on April 13 when Iran launched over 300 missiles and drones at Israel, in August when Tehran threatened another massive attack, and again on October 1 when Iran attacked Israel with hundreds of missiles. None of those threats or brazen attacks succeeded. When the United States strongly and clearly declares that it has Israel’s back, its adversaries back down.
There should be no daylight between our two countries. The United States should fully stand by Israel, including supplying it expeditiously with the critical weaponry it needs to fight this common battle against the Iranian axis in accordance with international law, at this historic time in the region. America’s own credibility, security interests and values are at stake.
A year after the savagery of October 7, we reaffirm our friendship and bond with the State of Israel – and urge all Americans to stand with Israel against Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran and enemies of civilization. Israel may be on the frontlines of this civilizational fight, but it is America’s fight as well.
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