President Biden delivered a crucial address to the nation on Thursday night, focusing on the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. In his speech, the president emphasized the importance of providing financial and humanitarian aid to Israel as a means of safeguarding national security.
Biden expressed his intention to submit an “urgent budget request” to Congress, seeking support for both Israel and Ukraine. He also cautioned Americans about the dangers of hatred and expressed deep sadness over the “heartbreaking” loss of innocent lives.
The full transcript of President Biden’s address can be found on The White House website.
Key quotes from President Biden’s address
1. ‘We stand with Israel’
“So, in this moment, we must be crystal clear: We stand with Israel. We stand with Israel. And we will ensure that Israel receives the necessary support to protect its citizens, defend itself, and respond to this attack.
“There is no justification for terrorism. There is no excuse.”
2. ‘An urgent budget request’
“American leadership is what holds the world together. American alliances are what keep us safe. American values are what make us a reliable partner nation,” emphasized Biden. He continued, “By risking all of that – by turning our backs on Ukraine, abandoning Israel – we are not acting in our best interest.
“That’s why tomorrow, I will present an urgent budget request to Congress, seeking funding for our national security needs. This includes support for our critical allies, including Israel and Ukraine. It is a wise investment that will provide long-term benefits for American security.”
3. ‘Our response would be swift, decisive, and overwhelming’
“I just concluded my third call with Prime Minister Netanyahu. I assured him that if the United States were to face the same circumstances as Israel, our response would be swift, decisive, and overwhelming,” President Biden remarked.
“Since the start of this crisis, my team has maintained constant communication with Israeli partners and other allies across the region and the world.
“To ensure Israel’s defense of its cities and citizens, we are increasing military assistance by providing ammunition and interceptors to replenish Iron Dome’s supplies.”
4. ‘No higher priority than the safety of Americans’
“As president, I have instructed my team to share intelligence and deploy additional experts from various branches of the U.S. government to assist Israeli counterparts in hostage recovery efforts. The safety of Americans held captive across the globe is my utmost priority,” asserted President Biden in his remarks.
5. ‘There is no place for hate in America’
“This is a time for the United States to come together and mourn with those who are grieving,” urged Biden.
“Let’s be unequivocal: There is no room for hate in America. We condemn all forms of terrorism, irrespective of the targets – be it Jews, Muslims, or any group. What we stand for is the rejection of indiscriminate evil, as we have consistently done.”
