Closing out a year defined by unwavering support for Israel, House Republicans have appointed a lawmaker to lead a key committee with significant influence over US foreign policy—one who claims there are “very few innocent Palestinian civilians.”

The elevation of Rep. Brian Mast (R-Fla.) to chair the House Foreign Affairs Committee signals the incoming House majority’s readiness to overlook accusations that Israel has committed war crimes against Palestinians during its war to defeat Hamas.

Republicans maintained constant pressure on President Joe Biden to send a steady flow of weapons to Israel, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought to make good on his pledge to “destroy Hamas' military capabilities and its rule in Gaza.” Conservatives argued that the US should not interfere with Israel’s military strategy following the unprovoked terrorist attack on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas militants killed 1,200 people and took more than 200 hostages, including Americans. 

Now, with Republicans set to take control of the House and Senate, both chambers can be expected to use their legislative authority to double down on their support for Israel’s defense.