Cruz denounced the move as a "historic low point for American foreign policy," stating that Biden's officials used the threat of withholding vital weapons to Israel and the potential for a broader, binding international arms embargo to coerce Israel into compliance.
Cruz emphasized that the ceasefire does not constitute a peace agreement, pointing to the continued existence of Hezbollah and Iran's ongoing efforts to undermine Israel. He expressed deep concern over what he described as significant pressure from Obama-Biden officials to constrain Israel’s military actions and reduce its freedom to defend itself.
"This pressure aims to ensure Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed terrorist groups remain intact across Lebanon, and to limit Israel’s future ability to act in self-defense," Cruz argued. "By forcing Israel into this ceasefire, Biden's administration has taken steps to weaken Israeli security and bolster Iranian influence in the region."
Other members of Congress also weighed in on the agreement, with some expressing support for the ceasefire and others echoing Cruz’s concerns about its long-term implications for Israel’s defense capabilities.
Jewish organizations, such as the Jewish Federations of North America, welcomed the ceasefire as a step toward alleviating the threat posed by Hezbollah to Israeli civilians, who have endured months of missile attacks. However, concerns persist about Hezbollah's ongoing presence in Lebanon and the group's commitment to Israel’s destruction.
Senator Cruz concluded by stating that while the ceasefire provides temporary relief, the situation remains unstable, and Israel must remain vigilant in the face of Hezbollah and Iran’s continued threats.