WASHINGTON (NewsNation) — From the White House, President Joe Biden sent what was his most certain and unequivocal message thus far, making it crystal clear the United States stands 100% behind Israel.
Biden condemned the “sheer evil” of Hamas during his national address and promised American military support — and perhaps most importantly, making no effort to urge Israeli caution or restraint in its response.
Biden and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin promised Israel material support from the U.S. on Wednesday.
“As President Biden made clear, no other party hostile to Israel should exploit these disposable attacks. Like any other country, Israel has a bedrock right to defend itself from terrorism and aggression,” Austin said.
And it wasn’t just words.
The U.S.S. Gerald R. Ford — the nation’s newest and most advanced aircraft carrier — arrived in the eastern Mediterranean Tuesday to deter other enemies of Israel from attacking while trying to prevent a broader regional conflict.
Its eight squadrons of attack and support aircraft F-15s, F-16s and A-10s are now in place, along with missile cruisers and missile destroyers.
However, it was reported Wednesday that Hezbollah, another terrorist organization, has fired missiles at an Israeli military position in the north.
Biden laid out the justification for American help in stark terms: “The brutality of Hamas — this bloodthirstiness — brings to mind the worst rampages of ISIS. This is terrorism.”
“In this moment, we must be crystal clear: We stand with Israel,” Biden continued. “We stand with Israel and we will make sure Israel has what it needs to take care of its citizens, defend itself and respond to this attack.”
The president confirmed there are Americans among the hostages Hamas took, and that 14 Americans have been killed so far from the attacks. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been focused on securing the release of all hostages held in Gaza, a State Department spokesperson said.
One defense official confirmed the U.S. already has some special ops on the ground in Israel, routinely stationed at the embassy and for joint training purposes.
They also confirm U.S. Central Command and intelligence infrastructure in the region are helping Israel with planning and logistics for hostage rescue.