Joe Biden Issues Strong Statement in Support of Israel Amid War
In response to a surprise attack on Israel by Palestinian militants from Gaza, President Joe Biden expressed strong U.S. support for the American ally, Israel, from the White House on Saturday. Samuel Corum/Getty Images

US President Joe Biden extended his support to Israel Saturday following a deadly attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas. He offered "all appropriate means of support" to Israel and issued a warning to "any party hostile to Israel" against seeking any advantage.

US and Israeli officials are in close coordination to address Israel's military needs in the wake of this attack, with a decision expected imminently, as stated by a senior US official, Reuters reports.

The United States is working in collaboration with other governments to ensure that the crisis remains contained to Gaza following the Hamas attack.

An official emphasized the goal of keeping the situation localized, away from broader conflict.

The attack by Hamas, an Iran-backed Islamist group, occurred amid ongoing efforts by the Biden administration to negotiate a historic normalization agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia and establish a US-Saudi defense pact.

President Biden had a phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday to offer US support.

The two leaders, who have had strained relations in the past, met in New York last month as a display of solidarity.

Israel War

In a surprise attack early Saturday, Hamas militants entered several Israeli towns and military bases, taking civilians and soldiers as hostages.

Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif publicly declared that 5,000 rockets were fired into Israel, marking the commencement of "Operation Al-Aqsa Storm."

World leaders also expressed their concern about the ongoing violence and called for an end to the fighting. The conflict has resulted in the loss of lives on both sides, with at least 100 Israelis and 198 Palestinians reported killed.

Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed to exact a "huge price" on Hamas in response to the attacks. Israel initiated retaliatory strikes in Gaza and called up reservists and regular armed forces.

The surprise attack has raised questions about Israeli intelligence, given the nation's extensive surveillance of the Gaza Strip.

The conflict also falls close to the 50th anniversary of the 1973 Arab-Israeli War and may have broad implications on civilian lives, internal Israeli politics, and ongoing attempts to find a long-term resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

US Politicians Support Joe Biden's Stance, Blame Iran for Israel War

US politicians swiftly condemned the attacks, with many attributing blame to Iran, according to Turan.

Several US officials joined in condemning the Hamas offensive, per The Independent.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the United States stands in solidarity with Israel and supports its right to self-defense.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell connected the conflict to the situation in Ukraine and stressed the need for solidarity among democracies.

Other prominent figures, such as former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Senator Ted Cruz, Senator Rick Scott, and Senator Lindsey Graham, expressed strong support for Israel while condemning the attacks and holding Iran accountable for its role in supporting Hamas.

Senator Lindsey Graham additionally praised President Joe Biden for his support and urged continued strength in the face of potential pressure to limit Israeli actions.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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