Senator Cotton Slams Kamala Harris as 'Naive' on Iran, Blames Her for Emboldening Terrorists

Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) criticized Vice President Kamala Harris's handling of the recent Israel-Hamas conflict, calling her "naive" on Iran and accusing her of emboldening terrorists. Cotton further condemned Harris's decision to skip a meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and both chambers of Congress.

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Senator Cotton Slams Kamala Harris as 'Naive' on Iran, Blames Her for Emboldening Terrorists

Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), a member of the Senate Intelligence, Armed Services, and Judiciary Committees, expressed concern over Vice President Kamala Harris's approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict. He described her stance as "unprepared" for the role of Commander-in-Chief.

Cotton criticized Harris's initial acceptance of Hamas's claims regarding civilian casualties, highlighting that the death toll reported by the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry does not differentiate between combatant and civilian casualties. He emphasized that Israel's strikes on sites such as hospitals and schools were justified as Hamas often uses them as command and control centers or for firing mortars and rockets.

Senator Cotton Slams Kamala Harris as 'Naive' on Iran, Blames Her for Emboldening Terrorists

Despite the presence of civilian casualties in Gaza, Cotton asserted that the sole responsibility for these casualties lies with Hamas, not Israel. He accused Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden of placing more pressure on Israel than on Hamas from the outset.

Cotton particularly condemned Harris's decision to join approximately 128 Democratic members of Congress in skipping Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to both chambers of Congress last month. He argued that this action, along with her refusal to have a public meeting with Netanyahu, emboldened Iran and Iranian-backed terrorists.

Senator Cotton Slams Kamala Harris as 'Naive' on Iran, Blames Her for Emboldening Terrorists

Cotton further criticized Harris's handling of interruptions by anti-Israel protesters. He pointed out that during one such interruption, Harris accused the protesters of helping Donald Trump get elected, rather than condemning their support for terrorism or affirming the United States' unwavering support for Israel.

In another instance, Cotton asserted that Harris read from a script prepared beforehand in which she sympathized with the pro-Hamas radicals and called for an immediate ceasefire. He contrasted this with his belief that the United States should advocate for an immediate Israeli victory.

Senator Cotton Slams Kamala Harris as 'Naive' on Iran, Blames Her for Emboldening Terrorists

Cotton expressed admiration for Israel's handling of the war, despite the constraints imposed by the Biden administration and the significant arms embargo under which they operated. He emphasized that former President Trump understood the importance of maintaining close ties between the United States and Israel and their Arab partners for regional stability.

Cotton's remarks underscore the ongoing partisan divide in the United States over the Israel-Hamas conflict. While some Democrats have expressed support for Harris's call for a ceasefire, Republicans have generally aligned with Israel's right to self-defense.