In a powerful statement of support for Israel, President Joe Biden put to rest any doubts about his commitment to the country. Despite a somewhat chilly relationship with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden made it clear that his differences with Netanyahu will not impinge upon his support for Israel. The statement was made in Biden's own voice and in front of the camera, solidifying his unwavering stance.
The strained relationship between Biden and Netanyahu can be attributed to the prime minister's actions, such as his attempt to curb the independence of Israel's judiciary and the presence of hardline Jewish supremacists in his cabinet. However, Biden's recent statement demonstrates that he is ready to put those differences aside and stand with Israel in the face of adversity.
During the statement, Biden expressed his condolences for the American citizens who were killed in the recent Hamas attack on Israel. He also confirmed that there are Americans being held hostage by Hamas in Gaza. Biden condemned the attack as an act of “pure, unadulterated evil” and emphasized that there is no justification for terrorism.[0]
Biden's support for Israel was unequivocal. He stated that Israel has the right to defend itself and its people, and that his administration's support for Israel's security is rock solid. He urged other parties hostile to Israel not to exploit the attacks for their own advantage, as the world is watching.[1]
The president's remarks were some of the strongest in defense of Israel's right to defend itself that have been made by any president in recent memory. He made it clear that he has no higher priority than the safety of Americans being held hostage around the world.[2]
Biden also announced that the U.S. will be sending additional assistance to the Israeli Defense Forces as they battle with Hamas. He said that his administration has already surged some military assistance, including ammunition and missile interceptors, but congressional approval would be required to replenish those stocks.
While expressing his unwavering support for Israel, Biden also emphasized the need for restraint and the minimization of civilian casualties. He urged Israel to act in accordance with the rule of law and not to target civilians, and warned other actors in the region not to jump into the conflict.
The president's commitment to Israel is deeply rooted in his personal beliefs.[1] He has been a strong supporter of Israel throughout his political career, even as other Democrats have become more critical of the Jewish state.[3] Biden's commitment to Zionism is something he learned from his father, who told him, “If Israel didn't exist, we'd have to invent it.” He has a long history of fundraising for Israel and has met with Israeli leaders throughout his career.
As the violence in the region continues, the U.S. is working to prevent further escalation and to keep allies aligned. Biden's national security team has been making calls to high-level officials in the region to ensure that the violence does not spread.[4] The U.S. is also moving military assets closer to Israel to deter other nations and militant groups from getting involved in the conflict.[5]
In conclusion, President Joe Biden's powerful statement in support of Israel demonstrates his unwavering commitment to the country. Despite his differences with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden made it clear that his administration's support for Israel's security is rock solid.[1] The president condemned the recent Hamas attack as an act of evil and emphasized that there is no justification for terrorism. He also announced that the U.S. will be sending additional assistance to the Israeli Defense Forces. Biden's commitment to Israel is deeply rooted in his personal beliefs and his long history of support for the country. As the violence in the region continues, the U.S. is working to prevent further escalation and keep allies aligned.
0. “Joe Biden says 14 Americans died in Israel during ‘act of sheer EVIL' by Hamas terrorists – with more held hos” Daily Mail, 10 Oct. 2023, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12615817/Biden-Gaza-Hamas.html
1. “The meaning behind Joe Biden's unequivocal support for Israel – analysis” The Jerusalem Post, 8 Oct. 2023, https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-765268
2. “Biden confirms American hostages held by Hamas as families plead for help” Yahoo News, 10 Oct. 2023, https://news.yahoo.com/biden-american-citizens-hostage-israel-hamas-gaza-state-department-kirby-miller-192044888.html
3. “Biden decries ‘evil' Hamas attack, says Americans being held hostage” The Washington Post, 10 Oct. 2023, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/10/10/biden-israel-us-gaza-hamas/
4. “Biden's Twin Crises: Possible U.S. Hostages, Risks of Wider War” TIME, 9 Oct. 2023, https://time.com/6321860/hamas-us-hostages-israel-biden-wider-war-iran/
5. “Biden Condemns “Pure, Unadulterated Evil” of Hamas' Attack on Israel – Mother Jones” Mother Jones, 10 Oct. 2023, https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2023/10/biden-israel-hamas-attack/
