October 18, 2023
We will continue to have Israel’s back as you work to defend your people.
U.S. Pres. Joe Biden in a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials on Wednesday. The meeting in Tel Aviv, Israel, underscored U.S. support for Israel amid its war with the Hamas terrorist group.
Why It Matters: On Tuesday’s deadly blast at a hospital in the Gaza Strip, Pres. Biden said “it appears as though it was done by the other team,” not Israel; the blast killed hundreds of people. The wartime visit (the first by a sitting American president during a time of war, according to Israel) marks a significant U.S. attempt to deter conflict in the Middle East and comes as humanitarian concerns increase for people in Gaza.
Worth Noting: Pres. Biden intended to attend a summit in Amman, Jordan alongside Egyptian and Palestinian leaders to discuss Gaza and humanitarian assistance for its people. However, Jordan cancelled the meeting after Tuesday’s hospital blast, as they attribute the attack to Israeli forces. Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said, “This war and this aggression are pushing the region to the brink,“ and said the meetings will be held when those in attendance can agree to “stop the war, respect the humanity of the Palestinians, and deliver the aid they deserve.”
Read More:
Biden pledges solidarity with Israelis and suggests ‘other team’ to blame for Gaza hospital blast (The Associated Press)
Biden, in Israel, says hospital blast appears to be caused by ‘the other team’ (Reuters)
by Emily Hooker, based in Texas
