FBI Director Christopher Wray
Following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, FBI Director Christopher Wray issued a warning on Tuesday, stating that the US is facing the greatest terror danger since the emergence of Islamic State (IS) almost ten years ago.
Wray stated during a congressional hearing in Washington that numerous foreign terrorist groups had been prompted to call for strikes against Americans and the West by the Hamas assault, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,400 people in southern Israel and the kidnapping of over 200 hostages. According to him, there is now a greater chance of domestic violent radicals in the US.
“We haven’t seen anything like the actions of Hamas and its allies since ISIS launched its so-called caliphate several years ago,” Wray stated.
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Israel launched a huge air and military battle in Gaza, the home base of Hamas, in retaliation for the organization’s attack. Over 8,000 people, largely civilians, including many of children, have been slain by the Israeli force. Additionally, it has barred entry basic necessities like fuel, food, water, and medication into Gaza.
In order to explore possible dangers to the United States, the US Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee called a hearing.
According to Wray, since the start of the Gaza conflict, the State Department has received more threats against Jewish, Muslim, and Arab Americans. He added that this month, attacks on US military installations abroad had intensified from militia groups supported by Iran. Iran backs Hezbollah and Hamas, two more anti-Israeli organizations in Lebanon that are located near Israel’s northern border.
According to Wray, if the war deepens, Iran and non-state actors may launch further cyberattacks against the US.
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Alejandro Mayorkas, the Secretary of Homeland Security, testified throughout the hearing. He claimed that in the wake of the situation in the US, Jewish students had experienced hatred Middle East, contributing to the increase in anti-Semitism.
Concern over this matter has also been voiced by the White House.
The US Justice Department has been directed by Attorney General Merrick Garland to assist Israeli investigators in tracking cash transfers to Hamas.
