From the Liveblog of
Monday, October 7, 2024
Biden phones Herzog to express condolences on Oct. 7 anniversary
Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief
US President Joe Biden phoned President Isaac Herzog earlier today to express his condolences to the Israeli people on the one-year anniversary of Hamas’s October 7 terror onslaught, the White House says.
While the call appears more symbolic, making the president a suitable recipient, it is notable that Biden did not decide to speak with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The two leaders have not spoken in nearly 50 days, as frustration in Washington with Netanyahu, primarily over his handling of the Gaza war, has long since peaked.
Biden “expressed his deepest condolences to the people of Israel and to the families of the 1,200 innocent people –- including 46 Americans –- massacred by the terrorist group Hamas on a day of unspeakable brutality, stressing that the United States will never give up until we bring all of the remaining hostages home safely,” the White House says in a readout.
“Biden conveyed his commitment to the safety of the Jewish people, the security of Israel, and its right to exist, and reaffirmed his support for Israel’s right to defend itself against attacks from Iran and all Iranian-backed terrorist groups, including Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis,” the US readout continues.
The two presidents “reaffirmed their commitment to achieving a deal in Gaza that brings the hostages home, secures Israel, alleviates the suffering of Palestinian civilians, and paves the way for a lasting peace with Hamas never again able to control Gaza or reconstitute its military capabilities,” the White House adds.
The Israeli readout adds that “Biden noted that the atrocities committed by Hamas served as a reminder of the significant threat posed by Iran and its proxies in the region. He emphasized his deep love for Israel and his own support for Zionism.”
“Herzog thanked President Biden for his call and for his steadfast support of Israel from the outbreak of the war, and stressed that this would never be forgotten,” the Israeli president’s office says.
