Senate Republicans warn against domestic terror as Hamas calls for global support

A group of Republican Senators on Friday warned would-be terrorists against striking the U.S., vowing to bring swift retribution for any violence.

The lawmakers issued the statement amid calls from the Gaza-based terror group Hamas for global shows of solidarity in its ongoing conflict with Israel. Gaza is currently under bombardment from the Israel Defense Forces in retaliation for a major Hamas raid last Saturday that saw the terrorists seize hostages and inflict considerable civilian casualties.

"The Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel are despicable and depraved. As we mourn the hundreds of lives lost, including at least 27 U.S. citizens, we must also remain vigilant in our efforts to safeguard our communities at home. The first duty of government is to protect the national security of our citizens and keep Americans safe," the lawmakers said.

"To any bad actors who dare cross onto American soil seeking to exploit the crisis in Israel and wreak havoc domestically, our message is clear: Any threat to the United States will be pursued and suppressed swiftly, forcefully and to the fullest extent of U.S. justice," they continued. "Your vile and hateful acts have no place here. The United States will relentlessly defend against domestic threats while supporting Israel as it fights to eradicate Hamas’ campaign of evil."

GOP Sens. Chuck Grassley, Lindsey Graham, S.C., John Cornyn, Texas, Mike Lee, Utah, Ted Cruz, Texas, Josh Hawley, Mo., Tom Cotton, Ark., John Kennedy, La., Thom Tillis, N.C., and Marsha Blackburn, Tenn., signed on to the statement.

Palestinian leaders designated Friday as a "day of rage" to protest the Israeli operations against Gaza, prompting American cities to increase security in fear of potential domestic terror threats. Other nations, such as France, have already witnessed violent incidents, including at least one fatal stabbing.

The calls for international solidarity with a terrorist organization have drawn particular concerns among Republicans and former Trump security officials, who fear that similar terror cells, such as the Lebanon-based Hezbollah may already have infiltrated the United States via the southern border.

"[W]e know Hezbollah has been active in Latin America; they've carried out attacks against Jewish targets in Argentina, for example," former Trump Deputy National Security Advisor Victoria Coates said earlier this week. "So they're here. And the notion that they haven't tried to cross the border in the last two and a half years, is pretty disingenuous."

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.