In a recent statement, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed his opposition to U.S. calls for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, urging instead that Israel be allowed to “finish the job.” His comments came during an appearance on “Fox News Sunday,” where he discussed the ongoing conflict and the broader implications for regional stability.
Pompeo’s remarks follow a series of Israeli military actions that resulted in the deaths of high-ranking officials from Hezbollah, including the group’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and preventative security commander Nabil Kaouk. These developments have heightened concerns about a potential escalation into all-out war, nearly a year after the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, with no clear cease-fire agreement in sight.
Drawing from historical context, Pompeo emphasized that past cease-fire attempts, particularly those proposed during the Biden administration, could have spared the lives of key Hezbollah figures. He noted, “Make no mistake about it. We know history. There is only one thing that will protect Israel and make the Middle East more prosperous and peaceful: the demonstration of power and imposing costs on Israel’s adversaries.”
Pompeo’s statements echo sentiments shared by President Biden, who described Nasrallah’s death as a “measure of justice” for his long history of violence against Americans. As tensions continue to escalate in the region, Pompeo reiterated that demanding Israel halt its operations could exacerbate the situation, stating, “This is a regional challenge, and the United States demanding that Israel stop when the task ahead of them is to finish the job is a mistake.”
As the conflict continues to unfold, Pompeo’s perspective underscores a growing divide over U.S. policy in the Middle East, emphasizing a more aggressive stance in support of Israel.
