US President Joe Biden has pledged to provide military and political support for Israel and Ukraine, two of America’s key allies facing security threats from Hamas and Russia respectively. In a speech at the White House on Tuesday, Biden strongly condemned the attack by Hamas on Israel over the weekend, which killed hundreds of people and triggered a war in Gaza. He also expressed solidarity with Ukraine, which is facing a possible invasion by Russian troops massed near its border.
Biden promises more military aid to Israel
Biden said that the US will increase its military assistance to Israel, which already receives $3.8 billion in annual aid from Washington. He said that the US will supply more ammunition and interceptors to replenish Israel’s Iron Dome system, which intercepts rockets fired by Hamas and other militant groups. He also said that the US will ensure that Israel does not run out of these critical assets to defend its cities and citizens.
“Let there be no doubt: The United States has Israel’s back,” Biden said. “We’re going to continue to stand united, supporting the people of Israel who are suffering unspeakable losses and opposing the hatred and violence of terrorism.”
Biden also compared Hamas to ISIL (ISIS), accusing it of committing an “atrocity on an appalling scale” by launching rockets at Israeli civilians and taking hostages. He said that Israel has a “duty to respond” to these attacks and that the US supports its right to self-defense.
Biden calls for urgent action to fund Ukraine’s security
Biden also addressed the situation in Ukraine, where tens of thousands of Russian troops have been deployed near its border, raising fears of a full-scale invasion. He said that the US stands with Ukraine in its struggle for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and that he has spoken with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky several times to assure him of America’s commitment.
Biden said that he will ask Congress to take “urgent action” to fund the national security requirements of America’s critical partners, including Ukraine. He said that the US will provide more defensive weapons, training, and intelligence to help Ukraine deter Russian aggression and defend its democracy.
“This is not about party or politics. It’s about the security of our world, the security of the United States of America,” Biden said. “We cannot allow Russia to undermine the international order, violate the sovereignty of its neighbors, and threaten our allies and partners.”
Biden urges diplomacy and de-escalation in both conflicts
Biden also stressed the need for diplomatic efforts and de-escalation in both conflicts, saying that the US is working with its allies and partners to find peaceful solutions. He said that he has instructed Secretary of State Antony Blinken to lead a diplomatic mission to the region, along with representatives from the United Nations, the European Union, and other countries.
Biden said that he has also spoken with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Jordanian King Abdullah II, and Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who have influence over Hamas, to urge them to use their leverage to stop the violence. He said that he supports a ceasefire and a two-state solution that respects the rights and dignity of both Israelis and Palestinians.
Biden also said that he has been in close contact with NATO allies and other European leaders regarding Ukraine, and that he has made clear to Russian President Vladimir Putin that any further escalation will have serious consequences. He said that he is ready to hold a summit with Putin in Europe in the coming weeks to discuss a range of issues, including strategic stability, arms control, human rights, and regional cooperation.
“We are not seeking confrontation or conflict with Russia,” Biden said. “We want a stable and predictable relationship where we can work together on issues like climate change, nuclear proliferation, and global health. But we will not hesitate to defend our interests and values when they are threatened.”
