(LibertySons.org) – On the morning of October 7, Hamas launched an attack on Israel, taking most of the world by surprise. In the days that followed, many looked to Iran as having some type of involvement, whether in the realm of planning, funding, or both. Now, several lawmakers are calling on the Biden Administration to refreeze assets that it released following the hostage swap in September.
Several Democrats have joined a large swath of Republicans calling for the refreezing of the $6 billion. Speaking with the New York Post, Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) said he never approved of the initial transfer. Not only does he want the assets refrozen, he wants the government to look into additional sanctions as well.
Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) said it’s important to “review [the] options to hold Iran accountable for any support they may have provided,” which includes freezing the money immediately. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) is also in favor because of “Iran’s long-standing support for Hamas,” the militant group responsible for hundreds of deaths.
There is still some question as to whether Iran did, indeed, play a role in this specific series of attacks. Though the country celebrated Hamas’ actions, it denied having provided support, whether financially or intellectually. Instead, officials, including the Supreme Ruler Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, placed the blame on Palestinians, saying they simply became fed up with decades of oppression. US officials, including National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, have said there is no evidence that shows Iran has a direct connection to the attack, either.
As of right now, the $6 billion remains untouched in a Qatar bank. As part of the agreement with the US, the money is earmarked for humanitarian aid only. However, critics say that releasing that money frees up other Iranian assets, which could very well be used for nefarious purposes, considering Tehran is the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism.
On Thursday, October 12, the US and Qatar reached an agreement to freeze the money, once again denying Iran access.
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