President Biden said Wednesday that he did not strong-arm Israel into delaying an expected ground invasion of Gaza to give more time for more hostages to be released and allow more aid into the Hamas-controlled territory.
Speaking from the White House Rose Garden during a joint press conference with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Mr. Biden recommended caution but said he did not push for a delay.
Recounting his conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Mr. Biden said it wasn’t his call on when Israel should launch a ground assault on Gaza.
“What I have indicated to him, if that, if it’s possible, to get these folks out safely that’s what he should do. It’s their decision. I did not demand it,” Mr. Biden said.
When asked why he didn’t press for a delay, given the threat posed to hostages who include Americans, Mr. Biden acknowledged they are in a perilous situation.
“Obviously, they’re in jeopardy. The question is whether or not there’s any way of getting them out. If we can get them out, we should get them out,” he said.
The White House had previously declined to say publicly whether the U.S. had asked Israel to delay the invasion of Gaza after the Oct. 7 terror attack on the Jewish state by Hamas, which the U.S. has labeled a terrorist organization.
Several news outlets have reported that the White House has asked Mr. Netanyahu to hold off, but the administration’s national security spokesperson John Kirby said those talks have been about Israel’s goals in responding to Hamas’ surprise attack.
Those conversations, Mr. Kirby said, include asking Israel “tough questions” about the potential “unintended consequences” of a larger military operation.
• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.
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