(Radio Iowa) – U-S Senator Joni Ernst of Red Oak says any deal to end the Israel-Hamas war must bring American hostages home and lead to the demise of Hamas. “One that is not just favorable to Israel, but one that ensures the forever of survival of Israel,” Ernst said. Ernst made her comments during a speech at the Republican Jewish Coalition’s annual convention last week, shortly after returning from a trip to the Middle East. Ernst has made four trips to Israel since the October 7th attacks, including one in late August.

“During my meetings with the leaders in the region I delivered one simple message: we need to bring home our American hostages and we must ensure a favorable outcome for the safety and security of our Jewish friends,” Ernst said. Ernst says the murder of American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin shows every second counts in the negotiations. “For over 330 days, Hersh had been held by Hamas after having one of his arms blown off while trying to save others on October 7th of 2023,” Ernst said. “The reality it Hersh should still be alive today.”

Seven American citizens are still hostages of Hamas. During her visit to the region last month, Ernst met with Israel’s prime minister as well as the leaders of Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Ernst says Iran must be held accountable for its support of Hamas. “They should be cowering in dread of the response awaiting them for spilling American blood,” Ernst said.

Ernst describes the Biden-Harris Administration’s approach to the Middle East as risk averse. Ernst told reporters at the convention any other administration would have sought retribution and gone after a terrorist organization that took Americans hostage on October 7th.