From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Biden urges Congress to act on Israel aid, replenish air defense batteries; says Iran aims ‘to destroy Israel forever’
Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief
WASHINGTON — US President Joe Biden is calling on Congress to immediately pass an aid package for Israel and Ukraine, in an op-ed published in The Wall Street Journal.
Legislation has been stalled for months amid opposition from House Republicans fueled by former US president Donald Trump.
“While both countries can capably defend their own sovereignty, they depend on American assistance, including weaponry, to do it, and this is a pivotal moment,” Biden writes, pointing to strikes by Iran and Russia on Israel and Ukraine over the weekend.
Iran, he writes, seeks to eliminate Isrsael. “The government of Iran wants to destroy Israel forever—wiping the world’s only Jewish state off the map.”
“If Iran succeeds in significantly escalating its assault on Israel, the US could be drawn in,” Biden warns. “Israel is our strongest partner in the Middle East. It’s unthinkable that we would stand by if its defenses were weakened and Iran was able to carry out the destruction it intended this weekend. We can make that outcome less likely by replenishing Israel’s air defenses and providing military aid now, so its defenses can remain fully stocked and ready.”
Biden notes that the US-funded David’s Sling and Iron Dome air defense systems were critical in thwarting Iran’s missile and drone strikes and points out that the military equipment funded by Washington would be produced by American manufacturers, thereby boosting the US economy. “We’d help our friends while helping ourselves.”
“I’ve been clear about my concerns over the safety of civilians in Gaza amid the war with Hamas, but this aid package is focused on Israel’s long-term defensive needs to ensure it can maintain its military edge against Iran or any other adversary,” the US president writes. “Importantly, this bill has funding that will allow us to continue delivering urgent humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza as well as others who have felt the impact of conflicts around the world.”
