President Biden addressed the nation on Thursday night regarding the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Evan Vucci, Associated Press
By Smartencyclopedia
Washington, D.C. – October 19, 2023
President Joe Biden delivered a national address from the Oval Office on Thursday night, addressing the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and outlining his commitment to providing financial and humanitarian aid to Israel. The president emphasized the importance of supporting Israel to ensure national security and expressed his sorrow for the “heartbreaking” loss of innocent lives.
Key quotes from President Biden’s address shed light on his administration’s stance and proposed actions:
1. ‘We stand with Israel’
President Biden declared his unwavering support for Israel, stating, “So, in this moment, we must be crystal clear: We stand with Israel. We stand with Israel. And we will make sure Israel has what it needs to take care of its citizens, defend itself, and respond to this attack.” He firmly asserted that there is no justification for terrorism and no excuse for the attacks.
2. ‘An urgent budget request’
The President stressed the role of American leadership, alliances, and values in maintaining global stability and national security. He emphasized the significance of supporting critical partners, including Israel and Ukraine, to safeguard American interests. President Biden announced his intention to send “an urgent budget request to fund America’s national security needs,” asserting that this investment would pay dividends for American security for generations.
3. ‘Our response would be swift, decisive, and overwhelming’
President Biden revealed his ongoing communication with Prime Minister Netanyahu and assured that if the United States faced a situation similar to Israel’s, the response would be “swift, decisive, and overwhelming.” He highlighted the administration’s continuous engagement with Israeli partners and the region, promising additional military assistance, including ammunition and interceptors to replenish the Iron Dome, to ensure Israel’s cities and citizens are defended.
4. ‘No higher priority than the safety of Americans’
The President directed his team to share intelligence and deploy experts from various government agencies to assist with hostage recovery efforts. He emphasized that the safety of Americans held hostage worldwide is his highest priority.
5. ‘There is no place for hate in America’
President Biden called for unity and mourning with those affected by the ongoing conflict. He strongly condemned hate and terrorism, stating, “There is no place for hate in America — not against Jews, not against Muslims, not against anybody. We reject terrorism. We condemn the indiscriminate evil, just as we’ve always done. That’s what America stands for.”
President Biden’s address reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting its allies, maintaining national security, and upholding American values in the face of ongoing international conflicts. The proposed budget request will play a pivotal role in these efforts, further solidifying the nation’s stance on the global stage.