U.S. Legislators Express Gratitude to Israel for Killing 1983 Beirut Bombing Leader

In a show of bipartisan support, several members of the U.S. Congress have expressed their gratitude to Israel for the targeted killing of senior Hezbollah commander Fu’ad Shukr. Shukr was responsible for both the recent rocket attack that killed 12 children in Majdal Shams and the 1983 bombing of a U.S. Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, which resulted in the deaths of 241 American soldiers.

Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) emphasized Shukr's role in the 1983 bombing, criticizing the Biden administration's stance on Israel’s actions. “Joe Biden and Kamala Harris spent the last few days trying to strong arm Israel into not conducting this very strike,” Cotton wrote. “Shame on them.”

Representatives Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) and Ken Calvert (R-Calif.) also thanked Israel, highlighting the importance of eliminating such a significant threat. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) commended Israel for its commitment to bringing terrorists to justice.

“Israel has a right to defend her people,” stated Representative Eli Crane (R-Ariz.), underscoring the legitimacy of Israel's defensive actions. “Ridiculous that it even needs to be said.”

Further support came from Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) and Representatives Brian Mast (R-Fla.) and Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), all of whom publicly posted about the strike that killed Shukr.

The operation, which took place in Beirut, was a precise, intelligence-based airstrike conducted by the Israeli Air Force. Shukr, a senior member of Hezbollah’s Jihad Council and close adviser to Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, had been a longstanding figure in terrorist activities against Israel and the United States.

The Israeli military confirmed the strike, stating, "Today, July 30, 2024, in a targeted, intelligence-based elimination, Israeli Air Force fighter jets eliminated the Hezbollah terrorist organization’s most senior military commander and the head of its Strategic Unit, Fu’ad Shukr."

Shukr had been sanctioned by the United States in 2015, and there was a $5 million bounty on his head for information leading to his capture. His death marks a significant blow to Hezbollah and its operational capabilities.

This decisive action not only serves justice for past atrocities but also enhances the safety and security of both Israeli and American interests in the region. As Israel continues to navigate complex security challenges, the support from U.S. lawmakers underscores the enduring alliance between the two nations.

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