US President Joe Biden is considering a trip to Israel in the coming days but no travel has been finalized, a senior administration official says. It would be a powerful symbol of sympathy and support following the brutal attack by Hamas.
The official could not publicly discuss internal deliberations about the potential presidential travel and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu invited Biden for a solidarity visit Sunday, a Netanyahu aide told The Times of Israel earlier.
A trip would be a chance for Biden to personally affirm to the Israeli people the US is standing firm behind them. But it would come amid growing fears that a looming Israeli move into Gaza could spark a wider war with devastating humanitarian consequences.
Biden’s presence could be seen as a provocative move by Hamas’ chief sponsor, Iran, or potentially viewed as tone-deaf by Arab nations as civilian casualties mount in Gaza. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has already been traveling around the Mideast this past week trying to prevent the war with Hamas from igniting a broader regional conflict.
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From the Liveblog of
Monday, October 16, 2023
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