Байден: «Мы поддерживаем Израиль»

VOA: In the wake of a shocking terrorist attack carried out by Hamas militants, US President Joe Biden expressed unequivocal support for Israel on Tuesday as he sought to ease escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Biden assured, "At this moment, we must be crystal clear: we support Israel," reiterating, "We support Israel. We will make sure that he has everything he needs to take care of his citizens, protect himself and respond to this attack. There is no justification for terrorism. There is no excuse."

Standing alongside Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, who maintained a stern demeanor, Biden provided a detailed account of the weekend's tragic events, which he characterized as "an act of pure evil."

He lamented, "More than 1,000 civilians have been killed – not just killed, but killed – in Israel. At least 14 American citizens were killed among them. Parents slaughtered their bodies trying to protect their children. Reports of baby murders are nauseating. Whole families have been killed."

Biden indicated his intent to request "urgent action" from Congress, though specific details were not disclosed. It's worth noting that the Republican-controlled House of Representatives currently lacks a Speaker, which could pose challenges to congressional approval for new spending measures.

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan affirmed that the White House plans to urge Congress to continue providing military aid to Israel. Sullivan also clarified that, while 20 Americans are currently unaccounted for, not all of them may be held as hostages.

In discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, their third call since the crisis began, Biden expressed his understanding of Israel's "swift, decisive and overwhelming" response. He also stressed the importance of democratic nations like Israel and the United States adhering to the rule of law.

Four days into the hostilities, President Biden is taking steps to de-escalate tensions in a region where deep-rooted issues could extend beyond its borders. The conflict presents several complex challenges, with the priority being the fate of Americans killed or taken hostage.

Political analyst Daniel Bayman noted, "There may be Americans captured by a terrorist group. And this should be the priority of any American president. And the second question is to accept the death of Americans as a result of a terrorist attack in Israel. Add to this all the complexities of a very complex regional situation, and it affects not only Israel and Hamas but also the possibility of Hezbollah and Iran intervening."

Meanwhile, this conflict has drawn strong remarks from American adversaries, with Russian President Vladimir Putin describing it as a failure of U.S. Middle East policy. Despite the situation in Israel, the White House emphasizes that it will not divert attention from other global threats.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby emphasized, "Any country that might think that the United States will be distracted in some way should think again." He emphasized the resilience and economic strength of the United States and its commitment to national security interests and those of its allies worldwide.

When questioned about whether Biden had urged restraint in Israel's military response, Kirby pointed to the shared values between the two nations, emphasizing respect for innocent lives and the rule of law.

Nevertheless, these words coexist with images of Israel's swift and forceful reaction, likely fueling discontent in the Global South, where many perceive the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a significant wedge issue. Pro-Palestinian protests have erupted worldwide, including in the United States, where demonstrations have taken place at state capitals, federal buildings, Israeli diplomatic posts, and even as far away as Johannesburg, South Africa, where protesters plan to gather near the U.S. consulate in a display of solidarity with Palestine on Wednesday.