House Foreign Affairs chair warns Taliban wants to join fight against Israel

McCaul said he is concerned that the war could escalate into a "jihadist war against the Zionists."

Published: October 9, 2023 9:39pm

House Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul is warning that the Taliban wants to send their fighters to Israel to get involved in the war after more than 900 people in Israel were killed over the weekend.

"I have seen indications that the Taliban wants to come to liberate Jerusalem, in their words, 'To fight the Zionists.' It's very concerning," McCaul, a Texas Republican, said Sunday on CNN's "State of the Union."

When pressed further about whether the Taliban would actually plan an attack on Israel, McCaul said: "Well, my hope is that they can't make it to Jerusalem. But we have seen through their postings that the intent and the desire is there."

McCaul said he is concerned that the war could escalate into a "jihadist war against the Zionists."

Afghanistan's Foreign Affairs Ministry released a statement Saturday supporting the terrorist activities.

"The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan declares its support for the legitimate, historical and legal right of the Palestinian people to have an independent state on the historical land of Palestine," the agency said, as translated. 

The Islamic Emirate's support for Gaza comes as the terrorist group al-Qaeda, which was responsible for the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in New York City, is freely operating across the country.

McCaul also confirmed that Iran was behind the devastating attack on Israel and he expressed concerns about the $6 billion that was unfrozen for Iran as part of a hostage swap.

"I don't think it played a part in this event, but it certainly could play a part in any future terror activities," he said.

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