WASHINGTON — President will deliver a highly anticipated prime-time address on Thursday, where he will elucidate his belief in the imperative nature of Israel and Ukraine emerging victorious in their respective battles. This speech serves as an opportunity for President Biden to garner support for a substantial aid package aimed at bolstering both nations.
Biden’s visit to Tel Aviv on Wednesday was brief but significant, as he engaged in discussions with Israeli leaders regarding the next phase of the counterattack in Gaza. The air bombardment may now transition into a risky ground incursion.
Similar to his trip to Ukraine earlier this year, Biden ventured into an active war zone to demonstrate solidarity with a key U.S. ally combating an enemy driven by the goal of eradicating it.
A White House deputy national security adviser, Jonathan Finer, appearing on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe”, stated that one of Biden’s objectives is to elucidate how these foreign conflicts “connect to our lives back here.” Additionally, the address will emphasize the significance of American people and congressional support in maintaining the United States’ current authority and steering these conflicts towards optimal resolutions.
President Biden’s remarks will exert pressure on Congress to approve a supplemental funding package, which is anticipated to be submitted on Friday. The potential aid requests include $60 billion in aid to Ukraine, as well as a total of $40 billion for Israel, Taiwan, and the U.S.-Mexico border, according to sources familiar with the matter cited by NBC News.
President Biden faces a weakened position as he endeavors to shape public opinion regarding these wars. A recent CNBC poll revealed that only 31 percent of Americans approved of his handling of foreign policy, while 60 percent expressed disapproval.
In Ukraine, public fatigue with the conflict that began with Russia’s invasion in February 2022 is becoming apparent. A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted earlier this month showed that 41 percent of respondents agreed with providing weapons to Ukraine, down from 46 percent in May.
The U.S. has already sent approximately $44 billion in security aid to Ukraine since Russia’s initial advance towards Kyiv, as reported by the State Department.
Back at home, Israel’s counterattack has already ignited protests demanding a cease-fire. On Capitol Hill, around 300 protesters were arrested after they gathered inside a House office building to call for an end to hostilities. Rabbis were among the participants, some wearing T-shirts bearing the message: “Jews say ceasefire now.”
In a notable development, an official from the State Department’s bureau overseeing U.S. arms sales resigned this week in protest. The resignation was prompted by America’s continued and escalated supply of weaponry to Israel amidst its ongoing counterattack. Josh Paul, the director of congressional and public affairs in the bureau, expressed concern that this response, coupled with unwavering support for the status quo of the occupation, would only lead to further suffering for both Israeli and Palestinian individuals. His resignation was initially reported by HuffPost.
The Oval Office address is an influential platform historically reserved by presidents for national crises or messages of utmost importance. This stage has been utilized by John F. Kennedy to explain the Cuban Missile Crisis and by George W. Bush to reassure the nation after the 9/11 attack.
In Biden’s case, the address serves as a signal that America’s foreign policy interests are deeply intertwined with two distant wars. The defeat of Ukraine would embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin while erasing an independent democratic country on NATO’s doorstep, as Biden has emphasized. Additionally, the Middle East conflict presents a challenging predicament with an uncertain outcome even if Israel successfully removes Hamas from Gaza. An Israeli ground assault in the densely populated coastal enclave would put innocent Palestinians in harm’s way, effectively transforming it into an “open-air prison,” as described by Aaron David Miller, a former State Department official specializing in the Middle East.
Prior to departing from Israel on Wednesday night, Biden revealed that he had spoken with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sissi, who agreed to open a border crossing into Gaza for the purpose of facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians. However, Biden noted that if Hamas “confiscates” the aid, the flow will cease.
In addition, Biden hinted at his efforts to persuade Israel to explore alternative actions to a ground incursion that could result in significant civilian casualties.
When asked if Israel might forego a ground assault, Biden replied, “We had a long talk about that and what alternatives there are.”
His address on Thursday night provides an opportunity for President Biden to elaborate on his plans.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
