Rep. Mike Waltz berates Iran as ‘snake’ over Hamas attack on Israel

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Florida Republican Rep. Mike Waltz berated Iran as the “head of the snake” behind Hamas’ deadly rocket attacks on Israel over the weekend.

“Hamas doesn’t fire a BB gun without the Iranian regime’s permission or resources. Iran is 100% behind this all-out war against Israel,” Waltz said. “Israel must secure itself and that includes going after the head of the snake: Iran.”

Operating out of the Gaza Strip since 2007, Hamas’ assault on Israel has already claimed at least 1,100 lives and left thousands wounded on each side. Backed by Iran, the militant group centers itself around Islamist ideology based upon the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt in the 1920s.

Along with a military wing in Gaza, Hamas is based within Israel’s West Bank.

Republican officials, including former President Donald Trump, have criticized the Biden administration over a $6 billion hostage payment to the Ayatollah that has been criticized as a fungible asset to Hamas’ deadly assault.

Waltz, who is considering a run for governor of Florida in 2026, reiterated those sentiments on social media. Waltz currently represents Florida’s 6th Congressional District, which parts of the Jacksonville suburbs and Daytona Beach.

“Re-freeze the $6B in Iranian hostage money. The deal is off!,” Waltz said.

In response, White House officials rejected the GOP’s claim any money involved in the prisoner swap was used to finance Hamas’ deadly attack. The administration stated the unfrozen assets have yet to be spent by Iran and are to be used for humanitarian relief.