Hutchinson says he’d ask Congress to authorize use of military force against Hamas as president

Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) on Thursday said as president he would ask Congress to authorize the use of military force against the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

“As President, I would ask Congress to give authorization for military force against Hamas,” Hutchinson, a 2024 GOP presidential primary candidate, said in an interview on NewsNation.

“And that is an important part of the equation because it is our hostages that are there,” Hutchinson continued. “American citizens. American citizens were killed. And we don’t want a broader war, but we wanna make sure that Hamas understands that you cannot attack an ally like Israel without those consequences that threaten America as well.”

Hutchinson’s comments come a day after President Biden made a trip to Israel amid its conflict with Hamas. Biden also gave a speech from the Oval Office Thursday night in which he compared the militant group to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“Hamas and Putin represent different threats, but they share this in common: They both want to annihilate a neighboring democracy,” the President said. 

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told troops to get ready for an invasion of Gaza Thursday, which would mean a great intensification of the Israel-Hamas conflict that has left thousands dead on both sides, The Associated Press reported. It would also come at great risk to Gazan civilians, many whom are already facing life-threatening circumstances.

“Whoever sees Gaza from afar now, will see it from the inside,” Gallant said, per the AP. “I promise you.”

NewsNation is a cable news channel started by Nexstar Media Group, which also owns The Hill. The Hill show on NewsNation airs Monday to Friday at 5 p.m. EST.