US DENOUNCES ATTACKS ON ISRAEL PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR ITS DEFENCE
On Saturday, the US “unequivocally” denounced assaults carried out by “Hamas terrorists” against Israel and vowed to make sure the vital US ally has the capabilities to defend itself.
The White House said in a statement that President Joe Biden had been briefed on “the horrifying Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel” and that he had been in constant communication with Israeli allies as events unfolded.
Early on Saturday, the Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked Israel from the air, sea, and land.
āThe United States unequivocally condemns the unprovoked attacks,ā National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said in a statement, adding that āthere is never any justification for terrorism.ā
Israel said it was at war with Hamas following the surprise dawn attack from the blockaded Gaza Strip.
āWe stand firmly with the Government and people of Israel and extend our condolences for the Israeli lives lost in these attacks,ā Watson said.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reaffirmed the United Statesā āunwaveringā commitment to ensuring Israel was able to enforce its right to defend itself.
āOver the coming days the Department of Defense will work to ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself and protect civilians from indiscriminate violence and terrorism,ā Austin said.
According to a US State Department report from 2021, Israel has benefited from extravagant US military assistance totaling more than $125 billion since its founding.
According to the report, this has enabled them to develop “one of the most capable, effective militaries in the world and transform the Israeli military industry and technology sector into one of the largest exporters of military capabilities globally.”
According to a statement from the White House, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan also spoke with Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi on Saturday and will keep in touch.
Prior to the attack on Saturday, President Biden had hoped to change the Middle East and win pre-election favor by getting Saudi Arabia, the country in charge of the two holiest sites in Islam, to recognize the Jewish state.