During an address at The Jerusalem Post Annual Conference, Florida Senator Rick Scott made it clear that President Donald Trump intends to “do everything he can to expand peace and build relationships not just for America but for Israel.” Scott’s comments came amid questions surrounding the president’s recent diplomatic visit to Qatar.
Scott expressed deep skepticism about Qatar, calling its decision to shelter Hamas leaders “despicable.” Reflecting on his prior work with the House Armed Services Committee, he revealed that he pushed for a full reassessment of the U.S. military’s presence in Qatar, questioning the strategic value of the base stationed there.
He reiterated his belief that Trump has been Israel’s most steadfast ally among U.S. presidents, suggesting that no previous administration has shown the same unwavering support. Scott reinforced the point that Trump remains committed to strengthening Israel’s position on the global stage.
Turning to domestic concerns, Scott also condemned Qatar’s growing sway over American academic institutions. “Qatar can’t continue to support Hamas,” he warned, criticizing both their political choices and influence campaigns.
Recalling a conversation with Qatari officials after the October 7 massacre, Scott said he challenged them on their continued support for Hamas. According to him, the officials claimed they were acting at the behest of President Barack Obama. Scott responded bluntly: they “need to stop” and “should never have done it.”
Broadening the discussion to global realignments, Scott outlined what he sees as a stark geopolitical divide. He said the world is now headed toward one of two outcomes: alignment with “communist China” or with “the America path.” He predicted the U.S. would begin to “decouple” from adversarial regimes such as China, Russia, and Iran.
“It’s going to be absolutely clear, you can only be on one side,” Scott declared, affirming that Trump is working to bring more nations into the American fold. Such a shift, he stated, would serve both American and Israeli interests.
Scott said he’s hopeful that Qatar will ultimately “pick the right side,” but noted it will likely happen “only if they have to.” He hinted that external pressure may be necessary to steer the Gulf nation in the desired direction.
Addressing the growing isolationist sentiment among some Republican factions, Scott acknowledged why many Americans are frustrated. He said he understands why people are “fed up with crappy foreign policy,” and pointed to the actions of agencies like USAID and the UN as sources of public disillusionment.
However, he distinguished this discontent from U.S. support for Israel, arguing it must not be lumped into the same category. Supporters of Israel, he said, must make the case publicly and persuasively for why continued aid to the Jewish state is in America’s national interest.
With economic concerns dominating public discourse, Scott stressed the importance of explaining how supporting Israel aligns with America’s values and security goals. Vocal advocacy, he said, will be essential in preserving bipartisan backing.
He concluded by emphasizing the stakes of the conflict. The United States, he said, must be unflinching in its support for Israel, in aiding the IDF, and in ensuring the complete eradication of Hamas. “The antisemitism and the attack on Israel are not just about Jews, it’s about our way of life, and they [simply] went after the Jews first.”
{Matzav.co Israel}