- The Washington Times - Saturday, October 7, 2023

President Biden emphasized support of Israel’s “right to self-defense” on a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following Saturday morning attacks from a militant group.

Mr. Netanyahu’s office announced the call between the two leaders on X, formerly Twitter. 

“U.S. President Joe Biden called Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and emphasized that the U.S. stands alongside Israel and fully supports Israel’s right to self-defense,” Mr. Netanyahu’s office said. “Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked U.S. President Biden for the unreserved support and made it clear that a forceful, prolonged campaign – which Israel will win – is necessary.”

The Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an attack against Israel early Saturday morning, killing dozens of people and wounding hundreds. The attack prompted Mr. Netanyahu to declare the country was at war with the militant group. 

Mr. Biden and the prime minister have a chilly relationship, one that grew colder when the president authorized a prisoner swap with Iran that also unfroze $6 billion in oil revenue for the country. 

Mr. Biden has yet to make a statement on the attack, but the White House Press Office has said that the president has been receiving briefings from national security advisors on the attacks against Israel

• Alex Miller can be reached at amiller@washingtontimes.com.

Copyright © 2024 The Washington Times, LLC. Click here for reprint permission.

Please read our comment policy before commenting.

Click to Read More and View Comments

Click to Hide