The Republican field is blaming Joe Biden for dealing with Iran after Hamas’ attack on Israel

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The recent attack by Hamas on Israel has become a focal point for Republicans in their criticism of the Biden administration’s handling of foreign policy. Former President Donald Trump and several other GOP candidates have pointed fingers at the current administration, citing a $6 billion transfer to Iran as a contentious issue.

Hamas’ surprise attack occurred during a major Jewish holiday, adding a new dimension to an already foreign affairs-dominated presidential election. While the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has divided the Republican field regarding the U.S.’s role, on Saturday, the candidates stood united in their support for Israel.

Trump, speaking in Iowa, strongly condemned the attack and argued that under Biden’s leadership, the U.S. is perceived as weak and ineffective globally, which, in his view, has contributed to increased hostility. He emphasized that such aggression would not have occurred during his tenure.

A significant portion of Republican criticism is directed at a complex deal made by the Biden administration in September. This deal involved the release of five U.S. citizens detained in Iran and the transfer of roughly $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets from South Korea to an account in Doha, Qatar.

It’s worth noting that the $6 billion in question is not U.S. taxpayer money but payments made by South Korea to Iran for oil purchases in recent years, which were frozen due to U.S. sanctions. These funds are now held in a restricted account in Doha and are intended for humanitarian purposes, such as providing food and medicine for Iranians. The administration has emphasized that these funds are to be managed by vetted non-Iranian vendors and that strict oversight will be maintained.

Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi has stated that Iran will use the money as needed, while the U.S. has asserted its intention to closely monitor fund disbursements and the possibility of freezing the assets again if necessary.

Governor Ron DeSantis, in a video statement, accused Biden of leniency towards Iran, which he believes has bolstered Iran’s resources and indirectly contributed to the attack on Israel. Senator Tim Scott also pointed to the $6 billion transfer as a factor behind the attack.

The White House National Security Council’s spokesperson, Adrienne Watson, emphasized that none of these funds have been spent, and when they are, they can only be used for humanitarian purposes. She urged against spreading misinformation at this critical time.

Brian Nelson, the undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence at Treasury, emphasized that these funds cannot go to Iran, and any suggestion to the contrary is false.

Former Vice President Mike Pence also criticized Biden’s foreign policy approach, describing it as projecting weakness and appeasing Iran. He called for strong leadership that prioritizes standing with Israel and Ukraine.

In conclusion, the recent Hamas attack on Israel has become a point of contention in the presidential election, with Republicans criticizing the Biden administration’s handling of foreign policy, particularly in relation to the $6 billion transfer to Iran. The administration has emphasized that these funds are for humanitarian purposes and subject to rigorous oversight.

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• Hamas Attack on Israel
• Biden Administration’s Iran Deal
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