Mike Pompeo: Israel Should Keep “Kicking Butt and Taking Names”

In times of adversity, both individuals and nations often have no choice but to push forward. Israel finds itself in such a situation, surrounded by hostile forces and still reeling from last year’s brutal attack that saw the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust.

The only path for Israel appears to be pressing on, through the Iran-backed terror groups Hamas and Hezbollah. Despite opposition from American “progressives” and some at the United Nations, Israel seems determined to move ahead. Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made this clear in a recent interview.

Pompeo asserted on Fox News Sunday that the U.S. should not push for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Instead, he said, “We should be saying plain and clear, finish the job.”

These remarks followed the news that Israeli strikes had killed several top Hezbollah officials, including Hassan Nasrallah, and confirmed the death of Nabil Kaouk, a security commander.

Pompeo’s view is informed by Israel’s history, dating back to 1948, when Arab Muslim groups first attempted to eliminate the nation. Pompeo emphasized that demonstrating strength and imposing costs on adversaries is the only path to ensuring Israel’s safety and stability.

“Make no mistake about it,” Pompeo stated. “We know history. We know the history from 1967; we know the history from 1973. There is only one thing that will protect Israel and make the Middle East more prosperous and peaceful, and that is the demonstration of power and imposing costs on Israel’s adversaries.”

Israel, unlike the U.S., is a small nation, vulnerable to attacks from Gaza, Lebanon, and the West Bank. The October 7th attack underscored the reality of the threats Israel faces.

Pompeo is correct: Israel’s path lies through its adversaries, and they should continue to take decisive action against Hamas, Hezbollah, and any other hostile groups. They don’t need American troops on the ground, having proven their own capabilities. As Pompeo said, they should keep “kicking some and taking some” until their enemies understand that Israel belongs on the global “do not mess with” list. The U.S. could benefit from a similar reputation, though Pompeo suggested that won’t happen under the current administration.