In a moving and heartfelt speech, US President Biden reiterated his firm commitment to Israel's security and welfare. The detailed description of the horrors perpetrated by Hamas illustrated more than anything the disgust that Biden and many in the US political and public establishment feel about the events. Beyond conveying extensive sympathy and enormous moral support, the President and his administration engaged almost from the outset to contribute directly to the success of Israel’s war efforts. From all public US references and from the practical steps already taken, it is clear that the administration:
• Defines the backing and assistance it provides to Israel not only as assistance to Israel’s security, but as a direct contribution to the security of the world and the United States.
• Fully backs the right of the Israeli government to respond to the attack. Biden stated in his speech that in his conversation with Prime Minister Netanyahu, he noted that "if the United States experienced what Israel is experiencing, our response would be swift, decisive, and overwhelming." Foreign Minister Blinken is scheduled to arrive in Israel during the week, apparently to discuss the nature of the necessary aid, as well as the next steps.
• Helps to prevent military shortages. It was reported that the first American transport plane carrying advanced munitions has already arrived in Israel. Biden emphasized that the administration will guarantee that Israel does not lack for critical equipment to protect its residents. He also said that he ordered the allocation of intelligence resources to assist Israel in the effort to return those who were abducted.
• Leads an effort to ensure international support for Israel and its need to respond. Prominent in this context is the joint announcement issued by the Presidents of the US and France, the Chancellor of Germany, and the Prime Minister of Great Britain, which includes an explicit commitment to act to ensure that Israel “does not run out of these critical assets to defend its cities and its citizens." Even the European countries, which often criticize Israel's policies, now understand that Hamas's behavior leaves Israel no choice but to react with extreme severity.
• Sends a clear message to other actors in the Middle East, and especially (without mentioning them by name) Iran and Hezbollah, not to take advantage of the opportunity to attack Israel. Biden in his speech: “Let me say again – to any country, any organization, anyone thinking of taking advantage of this situation, I have one word: Don’t. Don’t.” The administration sent the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and the accompanying strike group to the area, and Biden indicated that the administration is ready to transfer “additional assets" if required. Biden's words and the US military assessments imply that beyond the desire to deter, given a real concern regarding deterioration, the administration is also willing to intervene directly to protect Israel if the war expands to other arenas.
To all those who over the past year have doubted Biden's commitment to the security of Israel, the speech leaves no doubt that this commitment is profound and translates into concrete steps. The President’s decisive leadership in the recent crisis also helps muster much support in the international arena. Nonetheless, the broad backing given to the Israeli government is not unconditional. The political clock that allows a wide scope of action has in the past proven its fragility and its possible reversal in one fell swoop. The breathing space that Israel will enjoy in the US as well will first of all depend on its ability to present a clear and viable strategic purpose and prove its successful implementation on the ground. This consideration will join the issue of the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, which from past experience is a factor influencing public opinion, and in turn, the leaderships. Biden himself said in his speech that he discussed with the Prime Minister that "democracies like Israel and the United States are stronger and more secure when we act according to the rule of law. Terrorists purposefully target civilians, kill them…Countries like the US and Israel are different from terrorism as they obey the laws of war.”
In a moving and heartfelt speech, US President Biden reiterated his firm commitment to Israel's security and welfare. The detailed description of the horrors perpetrated by Hamas illustrated more than anything the disgust that Biden and many in the US political and public establishment feel about the events. Beyond conveying extensive sympathy and enormous moral support, the President and his administration engaged almost from the outset to contribute directly to the success of Israel’s war efforts. From all public US references and from the practical steps already taken, it is clear that the administration:
• Defines the backing and assistance it provides to Israel not only as assistance to Israel’s security, but as a direct contribution to the security of the world and the United States.
• Fully backs the right of the Israeli government to respond to the attack. Biden stated in his speech that in his conversation with Prime Minister Netanyahu, he noted that "if the United States experienced what Israel is experiencing, our response would be swift, decisive, and overwhelming." Foreign Minister Blinken is scheduled to arrive in Israel during the week, apparently to discuss the nature of the necessary aid, as well as the next steps.
• Helps to prevent military shortages. It was reported that the first American transport plane carrying advanced munitions has already arrived in Israel. Biden emphasized that the administration will guarantee that Israel does not lack for critical equipment to protect its residents. He also said that he ordered the allocation of intelligence resources to assist Israel in the effort to return those who were abducted.
• Leads an effort to ensure international support for Israel and its need to respond. Prominent in this context is the joint announcement issued by the Presidents of the US and France, the Chancellor of Germany, and the Prime Minister of Great Britain, which includes an explicit commitment to act to ensure that Israel “does not run out of these critical assets to defend its cities and its citizens." Even the European countries, which often criticize Israel's policies, now understand that Hamas's behavior leaves Israel no choice but to react with extreme severity.
• Sends a clear message to other actors in the Middle East, and especially (without mentioning them by name) Iran and Hezbollah, not to take advantage of the opportunity to attack Israel. Biden in his speech: “Let me say again – to any country, any organization, anyone thinking of taking advantage of this situation, I have one word: Don’t. Don’t.” The administration sent the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and the accompanying strike group to the area, and Biden indicated that the administration is ready to transfer “additional assets" if required. Biden's words and the US military assessments imply that beyond the desire to deter, given a real concern regarding deterioration, the administration is also willing to intervene directly to protect Israel if the war expands to other arenas.
To all those who over the past year have doubted Biden's commitment to the security of Israel, the speech leaves no doubt that this commitment is profound and translates into concrete steps. The President’s decisive leadership in the recent crisis also helps muster much support in the international arena. Nonetheless, the broad backing given to the Israeli government is not unconditional. The political clock that allows a wide scope of action has in the past proven its fragility and its possible reversal in one fell swoop. The breathing space that Israel will enjoy in the US as well will first of all depend on its ability to present a clear and viable strategic purpose and prove its successful implementation on the ground. This consideration will join the issue of the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, which from past experience is a factor influencing public opinion, and in turn, the leaderships. Biden himself said in his speech that he discussed with the Prime Minister that "democracies like Israel and the United States are stronger and more secure when we act according to the rule of law. Terrorists purposefully target civilians, kill them…Countries like the US and Israel are different from terrorism as they obey the laws of war.”