The Post allowed Alsobrooks and Trone to answer a question on this issue as close to publication as possible given that the situation and its impact on American life are rapidly evolving.
What should America’s role be in the war in Gaza and how would you pursue that vision in office?
Alsobrooks: What happened on Oct. 7 was a gutting tragedy. I believe we all share the goal of removing the threat of Hamas, getting the hostages returned to their families, protecting innocent civilians and securing an immediate cease-fire. I also believe the humanitarian crisis that has developed in Gaza is unacceptable, and I agree with President Biden that Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu must do more to allow the delivery of desperately needed humanitarian aid to stop the pain and suffering of innocent civilians. I do not support an invasion of Rafah and agree with President Biden if Netanyahu does not change course, that the U.S. will need to withhold offensive weaponry.
Trone: The death and devastation we saw on October 7th from Hamas is devastating. It was the single deadliest day for Jewish people globally since the Holocaust. We lost more than 1,100 lives that day, and over 240 people were taken hostage. It was an unacceptable assault on human life. This is personal for my family. My wife and all of our four children are Jewish, and the time we’ve spent in Israel deepened our bond as a family. We need a global effort to bring humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, full stop. And we need a cease-fire. But for that to happen, we also need an immediate release of the hostages. As Israel’s strongest ally, we should work with them to bring Arab countries to the table to make peace and rebuilding Gaza possible. I’m a proud co-chair of the Bipartisan Abraham Accords Caucus, working with members from both parties to find solutions — increasing tourism, cultural education and business cooperation. That work will continue if I’m elected to the Senate.
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