Joe Biden
They fear the recent conflict has been used to amplify anti-Semitic rhetoric and embolden those looking to attack Jews.
On whether Hamas would speak to U.S. President Joe Biden, Mahmoud al-Zahar said: “Why not? Mr. Biden, yes, he is supporting Israel, but I think we have a mission as Palestinian people to speak to him frankly.”
The conversation between the U.S. president and the Israeli prime minister—the fourth in the past week—appears to reflect a growing concern in the White House over the conflict.
The U.S. secretary of state speaks with the foreign ministers of the E.U., UAE and Israel about bringing an end to the fighting • The Jordanian Parliament calls to expel Israel’s envoy to Amman.
The two leaders discussed recent developments and actions Israel has taken, in addition to plans to take amid fighting with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
“I want to thank President [Joe] Biden for his unequivocal support. You cannot equate a democracy that values life with a terror organization that glorifies death,” says the Israeli prime minister in a televised address.
In national press briefings and internationally, the United States has backed up a pledge to defend its ally. But that comes against pressure by progressive lawmakers and even some more moderate congress members who have issued statements that can be perceived as having moral equivalency between Israeli and Palestinian actions.
“One of the things I’ve seen thus far is that there has not been a significant overreaction,” said U.S. President Joe Biden to a reporter.
“My expectation and hope is that this will be closing down sooner than later, but Israel has a right to defend itself when you have thousands of rockets flying into your territory,” said the president.
The correspondence appears to be part of the Biden administration’s efforts to restore ties with the Palestinian Authority.
“Lack of support for Israel is leading to new attacks on our allies,” said former President Donald Trump.
“The United States stands with the people of Israel and with Jewish communities the world over in mourning the terrible tragedy at Mount Meron,” said U.S. President Joe Biden.
