President Biden's recent visit to Israel was intended to show U.S. support for the country and announce new humanitarian aid for Gaza. However, the trip was overshadowed by conflict in the region.[0] A summit with Arab leaders scheduled for Amman had to be canceled due to the bombing of al Ahli hospital in Gaza.[0] Meanwhile, protests erupted across the region, including at the American embassy in Beirut.[0]
Jeffrey Feltman, an expert on the region, commented on how Biden's visit was received by Israelis and the urgent need for humanitarian relief in Gaza.[1] Feltman also highlighted the dangers of escalation from Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Biden's visit to Israel garnered praise from defenders of the country, as he stood firmly with Israel during a time of crisis. However, the situation in the region remained tense. U.S. officials expressed concerns that the unrest could escalate further once Israel initiated a ground operation in Gaza.[2]
During his visit, President Biden met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and discussed the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Biden used his decades-long relationship with Netanyahu to offer advice and seek commitments on this issue.
In a speech, President Biden reflected on his visit and expressed solidarity with the victims of the attacks. He compared the attacks to 9/11 and urged caution in responding to the rage felt by the Israeli people. Biden emphasized the importance of justice while acknowledging the mistakes made after 9/11.
Biden's speech also linked the wars in Ukraine and Israel, highlighting the existential threats faced by both countries.[3] He called on Congress to support Ukraine and Israel in their respective fights against Russia and Hamas. Biden emphasized that these conflicts were not only important for the countries involved but also for U.S. national security.
The president drew a direct link between Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Hamas' attack on Israel. He urged Congress to approve an emergency funding package to support both countries. The aid package could be as much as $100 billion, according to reports.[4]
Biden's speech also addressed the issue of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. He called for the unequivocal denouncement of both forms of hatred and reassured those who were hurting that they belong and are American. Biden emphasized the importance of holding onto the values that define the nation during times of fear and anger.
The president highlighted the role of American leadership in holding the world together and keeping the country safe.[4] He warned of the risks of walking away from Ukraine and turning our backs on Israel, stating that it is not worth it.[5] Biden pledged to send an urgent budget request to Congress to fund America's national security needs and support critical partners like Israel and Ukraine.[4]
Biden's speech also addressed the shared threats posed by Hamas and Putin. He emphasized their desire to annihilate neighboring democracies and the suffering caused by their actions.[6] Biden reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Ukraine in its ongoing war against Russia.[3]
Overall, Biden's visit to Israel and his subsequent speech aimed to demonstrate U.S. support for the country and highlight the urgent need for humanitarian relief in Gaza. He also emphasized the dangers posed by Hezbollah in Lebanon and the threats faced by Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. The president called on Congress to approve an emergency funding package to support both countries and underscored the importance of denouncing anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.
0. “Biden: America at ‘inflection point' in Israel and Ukraine” POLITICO, 20 Oct. 2023, https://www.politico.com/news/2023/10/19/biden-terrorist-must-pay-a-price-for-their-terror-00122644
1. “Biden in Israel and US diplomacy on the Israel-Gaza crisis | Brookings” Brookings Institution, 19 Oct. 2023, https://www.brookings.edu/articles/biden-in-israel-and-us-diplomacy-on-the-israel-gaza-crisis
2. “The Inexcusable Omission in Biden's Big Israel Speech” The New Republic, 18 Oct. 2023, https://newrepublic.com/article/176331/bidens-israel-speech-ceasefire-omission
3. “Biden: “I refuse” to let Hamas and Putin win” Axios, 20 Oct. 2023, https://www.axios.com/2023/10/20/biden-israel-ukraine-primetime-address
4. “Biden says US ‘holds world together’ as he condemns Putin and Hamas” Al Jazeera English, 20 Oct. 2023, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/20/biden-says-us-holds-world-together-as-he-condemns-putin-and-hamas
5. “Five takeaways from Biden’s Oval Office address” The Hill, 20 Oct. 2023, https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/4266220-five-takeaways-from-bidens-oval-office-address/
6. “Biden makes the case for wartime aid to Israel and Ukraine in primetime address” CNN, 20 Oct. 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/19/politics/biden-oval-office-speech-israel-ukraine/index.html
