U.S. President Joe Biden announced a policy of additional military support to Israel, which suffered a surprise attack by the Palestinian armed group Hamas, and dispatched Secretary of State Tony Blinken to Israel. He also began establishing emergency responses for several scenarios amid concerns that armed conflict between Hamas and Israel could expand throughout the Middle East.
In a speech to the nation held at the White House on the 10th (local time), President Biden said, “The people of Israel suffered pure evil at the bloody hands of Hamas last weekend,” adding, “Parents who sacrificed themselves to protect their children. “Children were slaughtered, entire families were murdered, young people were massacred, and women were sexually assaulted.” He continued, “Hamas’ brutality and thirst for blood remind us of the worst atrocities committed by the terrorist group ISIS (Islamic State).” He also said that at least 14 American citizens had been killed by Hamas and that several Americans had been taken hostage. U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said at a White House briefing that day, “About 20 American citizens cannot be contacted,” and “(However), this does not mean that all of them have been taken hostage, and the exact number of hostages is being determined.”
U.S. President Joe Biden (middle) is giving a speech to the nation at the White House on the 10th (local time) regarding the attack by the Islamic militant group Hamas on Israel. From left, Vice President Harry Harris, President Biden, and Secretary of State Tony Blinken. /Reuters
President Biden mentioned that the world’s most powerful nuclear-powered aircraft carrier ‘Gerald Ford’ was deployed to the Eastern Mediterranean near Israel and said, “There will be follow-up support.” The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that in addition to the Ford, plans are being considered to deploy two additional nuclear aircraft carriers, including the Dwight Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, near Israel. In addition, on the 10th, it was reported that a US transport plane carrying the latest weapons had arrived in Israel.
On this day, the U.S. Department of Defense announced that it would deploy a small number of special operations forces to Israel. However, they are not directly deployed in battle, but provide military information to the Israeli military. National Security Advisor Sullivan said, “President Biden has instructed us to prepare emergency plans for all scenarios of escalation of tensions,” and added, “We are consulting with allies and partner countries on potential scenarios that may develop in the future.”
Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department announced that Secretary Blinken plans to visit Israel and Jordan from the 11th to the 13th to meet high-ranking officials. The State Department said in a statement that day, “Secretary Blinken plans to meet with high-ranking Israeli officials to express his will to provide comprehensive support and discuss plans for the safe return of American hostages kidnapped by Hamas.”
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2023-10-11 13:06:00
