TEL AVIV, Israel — Iowa Senator Joni Ernst and Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks are among a group of Republicans in the Middle East to discuss efforts to protect Israel and bring American hostages home. The visit comes just days after the murder of U.S. Citizen Hersh Goldberg-Polin as Israeli forces moved in to try and rescue him and others from Hamas. His family appeared at the Democratic National Convention to a standing ovation to plead for the safe return of their son and to thank leaders of both parties for their continued support.

“Every second counts when Americans are being held by Iran-backed Hamas.” Said Sen. Ernst. “As leaders throughout the region expressed that the Biden-Harris administration’s actions have created confusion about America’s loyalties and leadership, even while the Iranian regime’s proxies are holding and murdering our countrymen, the need for our work became more evident.”

Senator Ernst accused President Biden and Vice President Harris of waffling their support, accusing them of betraying America’s greatest ally in the Middle East. “I will not waver until every American is returned home and Iran-backed terrorists are destroyed.” President Biden has repeatedly committed to supporting Israel and has continued to supply arms during the war which started on October 7th when Hamas launched a terror attack that killed hundreds of Israelis and abducted hundreds more. But the President and others have also been critical of Israel’s tactics, which has left millions homeless in Gaza, and more than 40,000 dead, including more than 16,000 children. Another 10,000 are reportedly missing and believed to be dead among the ruins. Israel blames the fact that Hamas hides among the innocent using them as human shields against attacks.

Criticism of Israel’s actions are not limited to the Biden Administration. Many of Israel’s allies have been critical of the decisions made by Israeli Benjamin Netanyahu. Recently, nearly one million Israeli citizens marched in the streets after Hamas killed several hostages before they could be rescued. They accuse Netanyahu of killing a cease fire deal supported by President Biden in July that would have brought the hostages home. Netanuahu continues to defend his actions. Also this week, an American citizen in the West Bank protesting Israel’s actions was shot and killed. Early indications suggest she was shot by Israeli forces. The Israeli Defense Force says their soldiers fired into a crowd that was threatening them and had thrown rocks at their forces.

But Netanyahu and his regime continue to have strong support among much of the American government on both sides of the aisle. “Following Hamas’s unprovoked, heinous invasion of Israel on Oct 7, we have been diligently meeting with families and Heads of State to advocate for the release of all hostages still being held in Hamas captivity.” Said Rep. Miller Meeks. “Hamas’s recent murder of six hostages, including American citizen Hersh Goldberg Polin, is yet another tragedy that underscores the brutality of this terrorist organization. We will continue to forcefully push for the release of all the hostages.”

Vice President Kamala Harris, now the Democratic nominee for President, said this week she has no plans to change America’s policy of supporting Israel.

The Ernst-led delegation also met with leaders inJordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Qatar.