From the Liveblog of
Saturday, October 7, 2023
US ‘ready to offer all appropriate means of support’ to Israel, Biden tells Netanyahu
Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief
US President Joe Biden says he told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on their phone call earlier today, “we stand ready to offer all appropriate means of support to the government and people of Israel.”
“Terrorism is never justified. Israel has a right to defend itself and its people. The United States warns against any other party hostile to Israel seeking advantage in this situation. My administration’s support for Israel’s security is rock solid and unwavering,” Biden says in a statement condemning this morning’s surprise Hamas attack on southern and central Israel.
“Jill and I are keeping in our prayers all of the families who have been hurt by this violence. We are heartbroken by the lives that have been tragically cut short and hope for a swift recovery for all those who have been wounded,” he adds.
“My team and I are tracking this situation closely, and I will remain in close touch with Prime Minister Netanyahu,” Biden says.
