Biden Heading To Israel On Wednesday As Gaza Ground Invasion Looms After Terror Attacks
17.10.2023 - 01:31
/ deadline.com
Updated with White House statement – Just over a week and a half after Hamas terrorists brutally attacked Israel, Joe Biden is heading to the Jewish state.
In Tel Aviv as a part of his shuttle diplomacy in the region, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the President’s Wednesday visit late tonight. “He’s coming here at a critical moment for Israel, and for the region and for the world,” Blinken said, as the news shot around the world online.
The presidential trip comes as the new national government in Israel has told citizens to leave the territory. In the countdown to that evacuation, hundreds of thousands of Israeli troops are massing on the border with Gaza for a ground invasion widely expected in the next few days.
In fact, many assumed the invasion could start tomorrow – which will obviously not now be the case.
“Israel is going after a group of people who have engaged in barbarism that is as consequential as the Holocaust,” Biden told CBS’ 60 Minutes on Sunday when rumors of a possible visit to Israel started circulating. “So I think Israel has to respond. They have to go after Hamas. Hamas is a bunch of cowards. They’re hiding behind the civilians.”
After repeatedly affirming over the past week his and the United State’s support for Israel after the October 7 attack that has seen over 1300 dead, including nearly 30 Americans, and dozens taken hostage, Biden will meet face-to-face with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his trip. Around 2,300 Palestinians have been killed over the last week and a half after Israeli jets targeted Hamas offices and more in Gaza.
After being in Israel, President Biden will travel to Jordan to meet with King Abdullah, Palestine Authority President Mahmoud