President Joe Biden will travel to Israel and Jordan, showing support for allies and addressing the Israel-Hamas conflict. The visit aims to prevent further regional escalation, emphasizing Israel’s right to self-defense while cautioning against wider conflict.
President Biden delivers remarks on the terrorist attacks in Israel
WASHINGTON –
President Joe Biden is set to visit Israel on Wednesday, underscoring the United States’ solidarity with the nation during the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The visit aims to prevent further escalation of the conflict across the Middle East.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken, currently in Tel Aviv, announced the visit after a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasizing the critical timing of Biden’s visit given the situation.
The trip comes after a recent surprise attack by Hamas on Israel, resulting in the death of at least 1,300 Israelis, prompting retaliatory airstrikes on Gaza. The death toll on both sides has now surpassed 4,000, with widespread injuries. Blinken also confirmed at least 30 Americans lost their lives in Israel.
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Blinken stressed that during the visit, Biden will reaffirm Israel’s right and duty to defend its people against such attacks. The President is scheduled for a bilateral meeting with Netanyahu and will meet with other Israeli officials in Tel Aviv.
Biden’s visit comes at a critical juncture, as Israel has advised Palestinians in northern Gaza to head south ahead of a potential ground offensive, sparking concerns about possible wider involvement in the conflict by Middle East adversaries.
Biden and his administration have sent a clear message to all parties hostile to Israel, warning against using the Israel-Hamas conflict as an opportunity to interfere and escalate tensions.
Iran, a key ally of Hamas, has hinted that a broader Israel-Hamas War may be imminent, despite the Biden administration finding no evidence linking Iran to the initial attack on Israel. Biden had previously cautioned Iran to exercise caution.
In addition to Israel, Biden’s itinerary includes a visit to Amman, Jordan, where he will meet with regional leaders, reinforcing concerns that Hamas does not represent the majority of the Palestinian people and discussing the humanitarian needs of civilians in Gaza. The visit also aims to coordinate efforts to address the situation of hostages held by Hamas and facilitate the return of Americans stranded in the region.
While concerns about the trip’s safety persist, the White House assured that appropriate security measures will be in place for the President’s visit.
