Some Republicans are not only telling Israel to act with maximal force, but they also want Americans to feel that same rage and fear.
It doesn’t take a military or political genius to chart a reasonable path for the United States after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel. While the Israeli government will make its own decisions, we can support it and offer our counsel, which right now includes urging it to keep in mind the long-term consequences of the war it is waging. As President Joe Biden told Israel on his recent visit, though it should seek justice, “while you feel that rage, don’t be consumed by it.”
Other voices — especially among the Republicans running for president — are advising nothing of the sort. This war is bringing out the worst in those looking to replace Biden in the Oval Office. In fact, they are not only telling Israel to act with maximal force and minimal regard for the lives of Palestinian civilians, but they also want Americans to feel some of that same rage and fear.
As the death toll from the Israeli bombing of Gaza crosses 5,000, some are explicitly hoping for it to get even more brutal. “For those who do evil, the wrath of God should be the consequence,” Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., said while campaigning in Iowa. “And I hope it comes with some Israeli and American hardware.”
For others, mere disregard for Palestinian lives has been insufficient; instead, they have labored to emphasize their contempt. Former President Donald Trump bragged that he had banned refugees from the Middle East and Africa when he was president, and “In my second term, we’re going to expand each and every one of those bans.” He also promised to send Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to pro-Palestinian rallies.
“We cannot accept people from Gaza into this country as refugees,” Florida Gov.
