McCarthy Appears Open to Taking Speakership Again Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict

Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., on Monday addressed Saturday's attack on Israel by Hamas and seemed to indicate he could be open to taking back the speakership in an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt.

In response to a question about whether he would be willing to become Speaker again after being ousted last week, McCarthy said, "The conference has to make that decision."  Reps. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, and Steve Scalise, R-La., are both currently vying for the role.

"Look, whatever the conference wants, I will do," McCarthy said. "I think we need to be strong. I think we need to be united."

Previously, McCarthy said he would not seek the role of Speaker again.

In the meantime, McCarthy said he thinks the U.S. needs to demonstrate long-term support for Israel, aid the country in returning hostages and change its relations with Iran after reports that the country helped plan Saturday's attack against Israel.

"This is directly tied to Iran. We have to change our posture with Iran — no longer appeasement," McCarthy said. "We have to change our demeanor and posture when it comes to sanctions to Iran."

Those efforts could prove difficult if a Speaker is not elected later this week, as Congress could be delayed in its ability to aid Israel, a major U.S. ally. The country was attacked Saturday by Hamas, leaving hundreds dead and thousands wounded on either side of the conflict.