What’s Happening:

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Dave McCormick recently returned from a 36-hour trip to Israel, where he had an “emotional” visit with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) following the October 7 attack by Hamas. During his visit, he met with Israeli government officials and families of Israeli hostages, asserting the necessity for American leadership during such critical times.

Why it Matters:

McCormick’s visit underscores the continued strategic partnership between the United States and Israel. His account of the firsthand experiences with IDF officials and the affected communities highlights the gravity of the Israel-Hamas conflict and the broader implications for global security and US foreign policy. The call for American solidarity with Israel resonates heavily in discussions of leadership and foreign affairs amid the 2024 election campaigns.

Key Details:

McCormick, a combat veteran and Bronze star recipient, along with his wife Dina Powell McCormick, a former Trump administration official, emphasized the emotional impact of witnessing the human toll of the conflict. They met with President Isaac Herzog and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, and viewed footage of the Hamas attack. McCormick condemned Hamas’ actions as “pure evil” and advocated firmly for Israel’s right to defend itself and the need to eliminate the threat of Hamas.

Broader Context:

McCormick used the opportunity to highlight rising antisemitism in the United States and criticize the perceived failure of American educational institutions to condemn such ideologies explicitly. Referring to the ongoing conflict as an “inflection point” for American values and foreign policy positioning, McCormick called out his opponent, incumbent Sen. Bob Casey, for lacking moral clarity and necessary leadership in combatting antisemitism.

McCormick’s Stance:

The Senate candidate criticized past administrations for policies that, according to him, weakened the U.S. stance in the Middle East, particularly with Iran. He stressed the need for a strong U.S. leadership role in supporting Israel and countering terrorist influences in the region. McCormick’s campaign message focuses on promoting strong leadership and moral clarity in U.S. foreign policy with Israel as a key ally.

The Opposition:

Although Sen. Bob Casey expressed support for Israel’s right to self-defense, McCormick challenges Casey’s responsiveness and ability to hold his party accountable. The report did not contain a response from Sen. Casey’s office on these assertions. Casey has previously called for increased funding to address rising levels of antisemitism within education institutions.

Looking Ahead:

McCormick is positioning himself as a staunch advocate for Israel and American leadership abroad. His visit and subsequent reflections are an attempt to leverage foreign policy credentials in a bid to unseat Sen. Bob Casey and resonate with voters who prioritize U.S.-Israel relations.

This story was first published on foxnews.com.