"Peace comes from strength" - former US Vice President Mike Pence quotes America's 40th president, Ronald Reagan. In an exclusive interview with Israel Hayom, on his way to tour the northern border, he added: "The United States needs to send a clear message that if the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea continue, we will know who sent them. When Iran attacked an American warship in the 80s, Reagan ordered action and half of the Iranian fleet was sunk. Whether it's vessels or the oil industry, I hope the current administration makes it clear to Iran that it will pay a price if the Houthis, or any other entity they support, harms American forces or interests."
Pence is the most prominent figure from the Republican Party in the United States who has come to Israel since the beginning of the war. Trump and the other contenders for the party's presidential nomination are busy with the primaries. Pence, Trump's running mate, was also on the list of contenders, but withdrew when he realized his chances were slim. He's been here since Thursday. At first he toured the south, met residents of Kfar Gaza and police officers in Sderot. On Friday, he was briefed by Northern Command General Uri Gordin and ate lunch in a soldiers' tent at Ayelet Hashahar.
Pence and the hosts, photo: Shlomi Amsalem, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
"I will continue to be a strong voice for the Israeli demand that either Hezbollah move from the border, or Israel confront it. Although no one wants to see the conflict expand. The launch of the two American aircraft carriers to the Middle East is a clear message to Hezbollah and, even more importantly, to Tehran. The United States will stand shoulder to shoulder with our dear ally (Israel) against any attempt to expand the war."
After everything you've seen in the south, what do you think is the right thing to do with Gaza the day after the war? The administration is talking about a renewed Palestinian Authority. There are those who offer international power.
"The whole discussion about the 'day after' should be after the destruction of Hamas. I am still waiting for the Palestinian Authority to condemn the events of October 7. As a member of Congress and vice president, I have met leaders from the Palestinian Authority in the past – this is a moment for them to stand up and make it clear that they unreservedly condemn the atrocities that I have seen with my own eyes."
There is great appreciation in Israel for the enormous support of the Biden administration. At the same time, the demand to bring in lots of fuel and humanitarian supplies helps Hamas and prolongs the war.
"I am concerned that while there is consistent material support from the United States, the Biden administration is sending signs of pressure on Israel to move into another phase of the war, and giving a platform to calls for a ceasefire. I hope my presence here is a testament to the fact that the American people support Israel, regardless of what the administration does. That's why I'm here. Most Americans know that the most horrific attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust must be met with the total destruction of Hamas and its ability to ever threaten the Israeli people.
"People who call for a ceasefire should be reminded that there was a ceasefire on October 6. So 3,000 terrorists invaded Israel and committed the atrocities they did. They would march to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem if they could."
"My presence here is a testament to the fact that the American people support Israel." Pence // Shlomi Amsalem, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Photo: LechHanilhagi
And about the pressure for humanitarian aid?
"I am sorry for any loss of life. The deaths of some civilians in Gaza touch my heart. But they are victims of Hamas. Israel has made every effort to allow Palestinians to leave northern Gaza, and we see that the humanitarian aid that entered immediately was seized by Hamas militants. I have a heart for the people who are suffering on both sides of the border, but the blame is on Hamas."
Pence will conclude his visit to Israel on Sunday and return to the United States, where he would like to reflect and share his "compassion and anger for what I saw. I've been following the news since October 7, but it's not like walking in Sderot and Kfar Gaza. You search for the words to understand what you see. What I saw increased my determination to support Israel in every way."
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Photo by Shlomi Amsalem Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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