During a 15-minute Oval Office address on Thursday evening, President Joe Biden discussed the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The address highlighted the deadly new phase in the Middle East conflict since Hamas attacked Israelis, killing about 1,400, reported The Hill. Counter attack from Israeli forces has led to the deaths of approximately 3,800 Palestinians. The situation suggests that an Israeli ground invasion of Gaza could be imminent.
Regarding Ukraine, Biden acknowledged the waning American public commitment to the war as the financial burden of aid continues to escalate.
The address also touched on the recent upheaval on Capitol Hill following the ousting of Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) from his position as Speaker of the House.
The crux of Biden's speech was to make a case for additional aid tranches to both Ukraine and Israel. The President plans to submit a request to Congress for an estimated total of $100 billion to assist these regions and other areas such as Taiwan.
The president strived to draw parallels between the two conflicts, presenting them as a collective struggle against America's adversaries.
He added that Hamas and Russian President Vladimir Putin both want to "completely annihilate a neighboring democracy."
Biden further argued that Iran is supporting Russia in Ukraine and Hamas in the Middle East. He emphasized that the robust backing of U.S. allies is crucial for maintaining American global dominance.
Despite these strong arguments, Biden faces opposition within his party over the ethics of fervently supporting Israel, and Republicans continue to paint his leadership as weak and aimless.
The President also addressed the ripple effects of the Israel-Gaza conflict in the U.S, including rising hate crimes and anti-Semitism. He emphasized the need to unequivocally reject all forms of hate.
In his address, Biden avoided overt attacks on the GOP, instead urging not to "let petty, partisan angry politics get in the way of our responsibility as a great nation."
The President concluded his address by reiterating the U.S.'s commitment to the Palestinian people's right to dignity and self-determination and calling on Israel to uphold the laws of war.