What it’s about
US President Joe Biden declared strong support for Israel’s mission to dismantle Hamas while fiercely denying any allegations of genocide in the Gaza Strip. He made these comments during an event marking Jewish American Heritage Month at the White House.
Why it matters
Biden’s unequivocal support underscores the robust alliance between the United States and Israel. His rejection of genocide claims and labeling of Hamas as “butchers” highlights the firm stance the US is taking alongside Israel in the fight against terrorism. This unity is vital for Israel as it seeks to ensure security and stability while dealing with international pressures and domestic crises involving hostages.
What Biden said
“Contrary to allegations made against Israel in the International Court of Justice, what’s happening is not genocide,” Biden firmly stated. “We reject that.” He emphasized, “The US stands with Israel to take out Sinwar and the rest of the butchers of Hamas,” referring to Hamas’s Gaza leader Yahya Sinwar.
The president stressed the grim aftermath of Hamas’s October 7 attack, which led to 1,200 deaths and the capture of 252 hostages, as the justification for Israel’s subsequent actions. He assured, “I’ll always ensure that Israel has everything it needs to defend itself against Hamas and all its enemies.”
The context
Biden’s comments come amid contentious moments regarding US-Israel relations, including a recent pause in bomb deliveries to Israel over concerns about their usage in Gaza. However, the President solidified that support for Israel’s security remains “ironclad” despite these concerns.
Efforts for hostages
Highlighting the personal stakes of the conflict, Biden referenced the presence of hostage families at the event, including the parents of American-Israeli captive Hersh Goldberg-Polin. “We’re going to get them home, we’re going to get ’em home, come hell or high water,” he pledged.
Denouncing antisemitism
Biden firmly condemned antisemitism, especially on college campuses where pro-Palestinian protests have sometimes targeted Jewish students. He emphasized that “there’s no place in any campus in America, any place in America for antisemitism, for hate speech that threatens violence of any kind against Jews or anyone else.” His administration remains committed to protecting Jewish students and combating the rise in hostile sentiments.
International criticism and internal pressure
Biden also dubbed the International Criminal Court’s move to seek arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, as “outrageous.” Yet, he remains under pressure from within his party over his handling of the Gaza conflict as humanitarian issues escalate in the territory. Meanwhile, Netanyahu faces demands for definitive action on the hostages, demonstrating the high stakes on both the international and domestic fronts.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.