Sunday, October 8, 2023

Solidarity with Israel

I've long been weary of hearing those who are imbued with a deep (and often obsessive) animus toward Israel--the hatred, for example, from conspiratorial sectors on the right (including neo-Nazis, and their like), and hatred from certain sectors on the left (often today, notably, coming from repugnant anti-Israel student groups on college campuses).  I've been hearing versions of these anti-Israel voices, with profound dismay, for decades.

And so, one must make note of one's support--one's wholehearted support--for the people of Israel, during this terrible and perilous time.

On Saturday, one also must note, President Biden spoke (importantly, forcefully) in support of Israel's right of self-defense--following the thousands of rocket attacks, that day, from Hamas (and, evidently, from Islamic Jihad as well), and following the hundreds of murders (and the kidnappings) committed by Hamas gunmen during the group's invasion.

Mr. Biden said, in part:

Hamas terrorists crossing into Israel killing not only Israeli soldiers, but Israeli civilians in the street, in their homes. Innocent people murdered, wounded, entire families taken hostage by Hamas just days after Israel marked the holiest of days on the Jewish calendar. It’s unconscionable.

You know, when I spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu this morning, I told him the United States stands with the people of Israel in the face of these terrorist assaults. Israel has the right to defend itself and its people. Full stop.

There is never justification for terrorist attacks.

And my administration’s support for Israel’s security is rock solid and unwavering.