Country Music Stars Weigh In on Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

A number of country music stars are among the celebrities that have shared their thoughts on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as deadly strikes from both sides dominate the news cycle.

Fighters for Palestinian militant group Hamas stormed into Israel, killing more than 1,200 according to figures from the Israeli military, cited by the Associated Press (AP). Hamas said the attack was retribution for worsening conditions for Palestinians under Israeli occupation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared war on Hamas and warned Israelis to brace themselves for a "long and difficult" conflict. Since Saturday, Israel has carried out attacks against Hamas, launching "Operation Swords of Iron." Israel has been pummeling the sealed-off and densely populated Gaza Strip with airstrikes.

Palestinian officials said 1,055 people had been killed in Gaza since Saturday, according to the AP. Israel has stopped entry of food, fuel and medicine into Gaza, worsening the humanitarian conditions in the tiny territory of 2.3 million people.

Hezbollah, an Iran-backed organization that the U.S. considers a terrorist group, alongside Hamas, on Sunday launched a barrage of mortar shells into Israel. The Israeli Defense Forces fired artillery into Lebanon. No casualties were reported on either side.

As news of the latest conflict in the region circulated, a number of country music stars shared their thoughts on social media.

Musician Travis Tritt showed his support for Israel by reposting a GIF on X, formerly Twitter, that showed the Israeli flag.

The post, which was originally shared on Saturday by former Police Commissioner of the New York City Police Department, Bernard B. Kerik, included the caption: "I STAND WITH ISRAEL!"

John Rich took a U.S.-focused political approach to the conflict as he took swipes at President Joe Biden's administration.

"With war breaking out in the Middle East, it's good to know we have a full strategic oil reserve in case fuel becomes an issue," adding, "oh wait...My mistake, Biden drained it so he could lower gas prices for the midterms. Carry on."

Rich also reacted with a simple "Whoa" to a post on an X account belonging to the Chicago chapter of Black Lives Matter (BLM).

The post in question showed an image of a figure paragliding while bearing the Palestinian flag. An accompanying caption read: "I STAND WITH PALESTINE."

"That is all that is it!" BLM added to the post.

It was noted in the reactions to the post that armed militants on paragliders swooped in on and killed Israeli partygoers over the weekend.

Rich also challenged a statement by Rep. Gloria Johnson (D-TN), who called on X on Saturday night for "an immediate ceasefire."

"There should be no safe refuge for someone who would commit an act of terror like we saw today," Johnson wrote. "I don't want another civilian to lose their life in a terrorist attack or act of war."

"No one wins. Real people lose everything," Johnson continued. "We need an immediate cease fire and a long term peace agreement that keeps families safe."

"Same advice for Ukraine?" Rich asked Johnson, in reference to U.S. support for the country amid its ongoing war with Russia.

Country rocker Jason Isbell took a coy approach to the conversation when he was asked by an X user for his thoughts on the conflict.

After commenting that the classic R.E.M. album Automatic for the People had been released 31 years ago, the X user responded: "Thoughts on Israel?"

"Many," Isbell responded, without elaborating.

Kasey Musgraves shared an Instagram Story post in which she condemned antisemitism and racism, while expressing sympathy for Israeli and Palestinian lives lost in the violent clashes.

"I am utterly heartbroken by the news this weekend," she wrote. "I condemn terrorism of any kind. I condemn antisemitism and racism. My heart goes out to my Jewish friends and family around the world who are suffering now or have suffered in the past, and to all Palestinians who are suffering now or have suffered in the past.

"I am reading and listening, and join in with everyone who is hoping that the cycle of violence and living in fear can one day be broken."

Brittany Aldean, wife of musician Jason Aldean, also focused on domestic politics in reaction to the conflict, sharing a screenshot of an X post from attorney and podcaster Eric Matheny on her Instagram Stories.

"You voted for student loan forgiveness. You got $6 gas and World War 3," Matheny wrote.

Adding her own thoughts to the post, Brittany Aldean commented: "Way to go."