State Financial Officers Urge Biden to Support Israel Amid Concerns Over Anti-Semitism and Withheld Weapons

Nearly 30 state-level financial officers have penned a letter to President Biden expressing concerns over the administration's wavering support for Israel and the withholding of precision weapons needed for defense.

State Financial Officers Urge Biden to Support Israel Amid Concerns Over Anti-Semitism and Withheld Weapons

Washington, D.C. - In a bold move, nearly 30 state-level financial officers have written a letter to President Biden, urging him to continue supporting Israel and address concerns over anti-Semitism and the withholding of vital weapons. The State Financial Officers Foundation (SFOF), a conservative group comprising state auditors, treasurers, and comptrollers, expressed deep concern over the recent comments and actions that they believe have weakened America's commitment to Israel.

The letter, signed by 29 members of SFOF, highlights the alarming rise in violent anti-Semitic protests across the country. They condemn the equivocating comments that have emboldened protesters and express concern that the precision weapons needed by Israel to defend itself are being withheld. These weapons are essential for Israel's right to exist and protect its citizens from hostile forces such as Hamas.

"As state financial officers, we appreciate your early pledges of ironclad support for Israel following the October 7th attacks. Yet, we are concerned that commitment has wavered in recent months," the letter reads. "Violent, antisemitic protests have erupted across the country. Recent comments equivocating on this abhorrent behavior have only served to further embolden protesters."

The letter also emphasizes the officers' determination to use their authority to combat anti-Semitism and support Israel. They vow to "not invest in entities that convey antisemitic sentiments or that contribute to non-profit organizations that are openly antisemitic" and to "use our authority, as appropriate and applicable, to address the anti-West cancer that has infected the educational institutions within our states."

State Treasurer John Fleming of Louisiana, one of the first signatories to the letter, emphasized the importance of Israel eliminating Hamas, a terrorist organization. "Israel should not stop, and we shouldn't stop helping Israel until they eliminate Hamas," Fleming said. "But at the same time, trying to protect the Palestinians, the Gazans as much as possible."

President Biden has recently threatened to withhold weapons from Israel if it enters Rafah, Hamas' last stronghold in Gaza. However, he has clarified that the US will continue sending defensive weapons, such as supplies for Israel's Iron Dome. The state financial officers urge Biden to eliminate any equivocation and firmly support Israel in its fight against terrorism.

The letter also addresses the concerns raised by Republicans over the administration's delay in shipping weapons to Israel, despite the passage of a foreign aid package by Congress. The officers call for the immediate release of these weapons to ensure Israel's safety and ability to defend itself.

"We believe in the right for people to protest and the First Amendment, but we are opposed to anybody of either side, attacking or harming someone in their quest to get their message out. But ultimately, we are on the side of Israel," Fleming said.

The state financial officers' letter serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting Israel and combating anti-Semitism. Their unwavering commitment to Israel's security and the well-being of its citizens is a testament to the strong bonds between the United States and its ally.