In a harsh appearance, President Joe Biden yesterday described the Hamas attack, whose sole objective was to “kill Jews,” as “pure, unadulterated evil.” Biden insisted on the United States' full support for Israel after this massacre of more than a thousand people, including at least 14 Americans. He also insisted that there are citizens of his country among the hostages.
“I have ordered my team to share intelligence information and deploy experts to advise the Israelis in these efforts,” he said. “For a president, there is no higher priority than the safety of Americans who are held hostage around the world,” he added.
Despite the spy collaboration, Biden did not suggest sending troops on the ground. He did promise more military assistance in the form of ammunition and/or material to replenish the iron dome of air protection. He also recalled that Washington is deploying the fleet with ships and planes, at which time he issued his warning. “To any country, organization, anyone who thinks of taking advantage of the occasion, I say one word: No. Our hearts are broken, but our resolve is clear,” he said.
He urged no restraint in the Israeli response. But, after repeating his right to defend himself, he clarified that, in his case, the US response would be quick, decisive and powerful but "respecting the laws of war." And he clarified that Hamas, which he compared to the Islamic State, "does not defend the Palestinians and their dignity, it uses them as shields (...) for the annihilation of Israel."
