President Biden on Wednesday said that the U.S. will keep its commitment to Israel’s defense amid reports of Iran planning a “significant attack” on the Jewish state in the coming days.
Speaking at the White House alongside Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during a joint press conference, Mr. Biden said the two discussed intelligence suggesting an Iranian attack on Israel.
“As I told Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu, our commitment to Israel’s security against these threats from Iran and their proxies is ironclad,” he said. “We’re going to do all we can to protect Israel’s security.”
Mr. Bidens’ affirmation of the U.S. commitment to Israel’s defense defies a growing pro-Palestinian sentiment in the Democratic Party.
Democrats on Capitol Hill have demanded Mr. Biden condition future defense assistance to Israel on whether Mr. Netanyahu takes more steps to protect civilians in Gaza. A humanitarian crisis has spiraled out of control as Israel continues its assault on Gaza in response to Hamas’ deadly terrorist raid on Israel on Oct. 7.
The president said he has been “very blunt and straightforward” with Mr. Netanyahu during what he described as “a long conversation” between the two men after an Israeli drone strike killed seven World Central Kitchen aid workers.
SEE ALSO: Iran says Israeli embassies could be targeted after Syria consulate attack
Mr. Biden said Mr. Netanyahu agreed to get more aid, including food and medicine into Gaza and “reducing significantly” the number of civilian casualties during Israeli attacks on Hamas.
He also said that Hamas must decide whether to accept a proposal for the release of hostages and a cease-fire put together by CIA Director Bill Burns.
“They need to move on the proposal, and … get these hostages home, where they belong,” Mr. Biden said.
• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.