Did Biden's $6 Billion To Iran Fund Hamas' Attack On Israel? Republicans Demand Answers

The move has raised concerns about the potential link between the unfrozen funds and the recent assault.

Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee expressed her dismay, stating, "Just weeks ago, the Biden administration handed over $6 billion to Iran, and today, innocent Israelis were murdered by Iran-backed terrorists. We must continue to support our strongest ally in the Middle East and their right to defend themselves against these unprovoked, horrific attacks."

The attack by Hamas terrorists involved the invasion of areas in southern Israel, with thousands of rockets fired into the country and dozens of fighters infiltrating through the border. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel was "at war" and vowed that the attackers would face "an unprecedented price." President Biden was briefed on the situation and the White House condemned the Hamas terrorist attacks.

Republicans have drawn attention to the recent actions of the Biden administration, specifically the release of $6 billion in frozen Iranian funds as part of a prisoner swap deal. The funds are being transferred from South Korea to accounts in Qatar, with the administration asserting that the money can only be used for humanitarian purposes and that the U.S. will oversee its usage.

October 08, 2023

A State Department spokesperson clarified, "This waiver allows for the transfer of funds from one location to another but does not change the fact that they can only be used to fund Iran's purchases of humanitarian goods. As we have said, no money is going to Iran directly and no taxpayer funds are being used. The funds held in South Korea are Iran's funds."

However, critics argue that the money is fungible and could potentially be diverted to other purposes. Iran is a known supporter of Hamas and has praised the recent attacks on Israel. The State Department has previously stated that Iran provides around $100 million annually to Palestinian armed groups, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad.

Republicans in both the House and Senate have emphasized the alleged connection between the unfrozen funds and the attacks on Israel. Senator Rick Scott of Florida expressed his disgust on social media, stating, "This is exactly why so many Americans & Israelis were DISGUSTED to see [President Biden] give the Iranian regime $6 billion last month. Every dollar given to Iran funds terrorism in the Ayatollah's quest to destroy Israel. Iran is behind today's invasion & everyone must say that."

In the House, Representative Dan Bishop of North Carolina criticized Biden, saying, "Today, innocent Israeli citizens have paid with their lives for his and the Obama holdovers' venal incompetence. This is a clear attack on Israel. We must fully #StandWithIsrael to defend itself & stand strong on the front lines of terrorism. We must act quickly to help Israel & reverse the damage of Biden's $6BB funding of an Iranian regime backing each of the groups likely involved."

Senator Tim Scott, who is running for the GOP 2024 White House nomination, also weighed in, stating, "Iran is the biggest funder of Hamas. This is the Biden $6 billion ransom payment at work. The U.S. didn't just invite this aggression, we paid for it."

Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned the Hamas attacks and expressed solidarity with Israel, stating, "There is never any justification for terrorism. We stand in solidarity with the government and people of Israel, and extend our condolences for the Israeli lives lost in these attacks. We will remain in close contact with our Israeli partners. The United States supports Israel's right to defend itself."

The release of the Iranian funds by the Biden administration has sparked controversy and raised questions about the potential consequences of such actions. As the situation in the Middle East continues to unfold, Republicans are calling for a strong stance in support of Israel and a reevaluation of the decision to unfreeze the Iranian assets.