Georgia Senate candidate says Israeli forces 'violated law of conflict' when asked about genocide

In a Georgia Senate debate, Democratic incumbent Jon Ossoff declined to say whether Israel committed genocide in Gaza, stating the determination is for the ICC, but asserted Israeli forces violated international law. Republican challenger Mike Collins attacked Ossoff's record and ties to left-wing figures, while the two clashed over the war in Iran, antisemitism, and extremism.

The war in Gaza, relations with Israel, and the war in Iran dominated a sharp exchange between Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff and Republican Rep. Mike Collins in their Georgia Senate debate on Thursday night. Ossoff, Georgia's first Jewish US senator, was asked directly whether Israel committed genocide in Gaza. He did not answer yes or no, saying the question is for the International Criminal Court, but added: "There is no doubt in my mind that Israeli forces prosecuting the war in Gaza violated the law of armed conflict and international humanitarian law." He also said he cares about Israeli security and innocent Palestinian life. Collins attacked Ossoff's record, accusing him of moving "as far left as he can go" and tying him to figures hostile to Israel. The debate also covered antisemitism, with Ossoff alleging neo-Nazi propaganda is disseminated from Collins's home. On the war in Iran, Ossoff said "we were lied into" it and called it a disaster, citing 18 Americans killed and hundreds wounded. Collins defended the war, arguing Iran was close to obtaining a nuclear weapon. The debate was the first televised meeting ahead of the November 3 midterm election.