The Murder of Hersh Goldberg-Polin: Iran’s Direct Attack on U.S. Sovereignty

 

Hamas’ execution of American citizen Hersh Goldberg-Polin is a direct order from Iran, exposing their mutual agenda of spreading terror and chaos at the expense of innocent lives. If the Biden administration fails to retaliate against Hamas and Iran for the cold-blooded murder of an American citizen, it would be tantamount to endorsing terrorism.

It appears that the tragic discovery of Hersh Goldberg-Polin's body in a tunnel beneath Rafah, Gaza, has ignited not just grief but a firestorm of geopolitical implications. While the bodies of six hostages, including Hersh, were found with bullet wounds to the head, Hamas has conveniently pointed fingers at an American airstrike. The truth, however, seems more sinister and calculated, with Iran's fingerprints all over this heinous act. If the current U.S. administration fails to respond decisively, the consequences may reach far beyond the borders of Gaza.

Goldberg-Polin, a dual Israeli-American citizen, was among the 250 people taken hostage by Hamas during their brutal attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. This attack, which claimed the lives of 1,200 Israelis, was the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust. The response to this atrocity has been a devastating military campaign by Israel, which has tragically resulted in over 40,000 Palestinian deaths. Yet, the discovery of Hersh’s body, alongside five other hostages, marks a chilling reminder that this is not just a war of nations, but a personal vendetta against an American citizen—one that must not go unanswered.

Hamas, which has long been supported by Iran, likely acted under Tehran’s influence when it executed Hersh and the others. Iran has been the primary benefactor of Hamas, providing financial, military, and logistical support. This relationship, built on a shared hatred of Israel and the West, has seen Iran funneling millions of dollars annually into the coffers of Hamas, enabling its terror operations. The execution of an American citizen under these circumstances is not just an act of terrorism; it is an act of war.

The Biden administration has been unequivocal in its condemnation of Hamas, labeling the group as a “vile terrorist organization.” But words are not enough. Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s death, like that of every American who has fallen victim to terrorism, demands action—swift, decisive, and punishing. The failure to do so would embolden not just Hamas, but its Iranian puppet masters, signaling that American lives can be taken with impunity.

This is not the first time Iran has been implicated in the murder of Americans. From the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing, which killed 241 U.S. servicemen, to the more recent attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps has orchestrated and funded numerous assaults against American interests. These acts of aggression have often been met with limited U.S. responses, leading to a dangerous precedent. The murder of Hersh Goldberg-Polin could be yet another such precedent if the current administration fails to act.

Moreover, Iran’s role in this atrocity cannot be seen in isolation. The regime in Tehran has been openly hostile toward the United States for decades, branding it the “Great Satan” and calling for its destruction. Through its proxies, like Hamas and Hezbollah, Iran has consistently worked to undermine American influence in the Middle East. The execution of Hersh Goldberg-Polin is a direct challenge to U.S. authority and a test of its resolve.

The implications of a weak U.S. response would be disastrous. It would send a clear message to Tehran and its allies that the United States is unwilling to defend its citizens, even when their lives are taken in cold blood. This would likely embolden other hostile actors, such as North Korea and Russia, to test American resolve in other arenas. The ripple effects could destabilize not just the Middle East, but global security.

The Biden administration must take concrete steps to hold those responsible accountable. This could include targeted military strikes against Hamas leadership, sanctions against Iranian officials directly involved in funding and supporting Hamas, and diplomatic pressure on countries that continue to support or tolerate Hamas. Additionally, the U.S. must work with its allies to isolate Iran further on the international stage, cutting off its access to the global financial system and restricting its ability to fund terrorist activities.

Furthermore, the U.S. should increase its support for Israel, not just in terms of military aid, but also through intelligence sharing and joint counterterrorism operations. The message must be clear: the United States will not tolerate the murder of its citizens, and those who commit such acts will pay a heavy price.

The murder of Hersh Goldberg-Polin is a tragic reminder of the human cost of terrorism. But it is also an opportunity for the Biden administration to demonstrate its commitment to protecting American lives and upholding justice. Failure to act decisively in this case would not only dishonor Hersh’s memory but would also weaken America’s standing in the world.

In the end, the true cost of inaction could be far greater than any military or diplomatic response. It could lead to a world where American citizens are no longer safe, where terrorists and their state sponsors operate with impunity, and where the values of freedom and justice that America stands for are undermined.

It’s time for the Biden administration to put its money where its mouth is and make Hamas, and Iran, pay dearly for this heinous act. Anything less would be a betrayal of the American people and the principles on which this nation was founded.

In this tragic game of geopolitics, the stakes couldn’t be higher. If the Biden administration doesn’t step up, who knows—maybe we should just let Iran write the next chapter in the history of American foreign policy.