Former Democratic Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton issued statements Monday night regarding Hamas' attacks on Israel. The statements came more than two days after the initial terrorist attack that gave rise to the current war.
"All Americans should be horrified and outraged by the brazen terrorist attacks on Israel and the slaughter of innocent civilians," Obama wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
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…
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) October 9, 2023
Obama maintained that he supports Israel and said the Hamas group must be dismantled. At the same time, he called for peace for Israelis and Palestinians. "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," he said.
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.
Bill Clinton's comments came about an hour later. He condemned the terrorist attack and sent a message to American families affected by the war in Israel. "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," Clinton also said on X.
Furthermore, he called on the world's democracies to support Israel and remain united in defense of Israeli democracy. "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," Clinton said.
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…
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) October 9, 2023
Obama's and Clinton's delayed responses contrast with the position of former President Donald Trump, who immediately denounced the attacks against Israel when they were committed Saturday. The Republican unhesitatingly stood up for the right of Israelis to defend themselves.
"These Hamas attacks are a disgrace and Israel has every right to defend itself with overwhelming force. Sadly, American taxpayer dollars helped fund these attacks, which many reports are saying came from the Biden Administration,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
