Biden Urges 'Unprecedented' Support for Israel in Rare Primetime Address

Abigail Robertson
10-20-2023

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Joe Biden gave a rare primetime address Thursday, calling on Congress to pass an urgent budget request for military aid to both Ukraine and Israel.

Earlier in the day, Biden returned from Israel, where he met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and vowed staunch U.S. support as Israel defends itself.

The president is asking Congress for an "unprecedented commitment" to Israel's security, while the administration also seeks to prevent the conflict from spreading.

“The terrorist group Hamas unleashed pure unadulterated evil in the world,” declared Biden.

He maintains that supporting Israel and Ukraine is vital for America’s national security.

The White House budget request of close to $100 billion dollars reportedly includes $60 billion for Ukraine, $14 billion for Israel, $10 billion for humanitarian efforts, and $14 billion for securing the U.S.-Mexico border. 

“History has taught us that when terrorists don't pay a price for their terror, when dictators don't pay a price for their aggression, they cause more chaos,” said Biden. “If we don't stop Putin's appetite for power and control and Ukraine, he won't limit himself just to Ukraine.”

 

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Biden says there’s no intent to put U.S. troops on the ground in either conflict unless Putin were to invade a NATO ally. “We do not seek to have American troops fighting in Russia or fighting against Russia,” he stated.

Biden also rejected the claims that Israel is responsible for the Gaza hospital explosion, pointing out that the evidence shows the explosion was not caused by an Israeli strike. 

“Like so many others, I'm heartbroken by the tragic loss of Palestinian life, including the explosion at the hospital in Gaza, which was not done by the Israelis,” declared Biden. 

One major obstacle facing any hope for quick action on this budget request is the current dysfunction in the House of Representatives.  There’s still no Speaker, or even a promising path forward to choosing one, leaving Congress in a continued state of legislative limbo.

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About The Author

Abigail
Robertson

Abigail Robertson serves as the White House Correspondent for CBN News, where she has worked since 2015. As a reporter, Abigail covers stories from a Christian perspective on American politics and the news of the day. Before her role at the White House, Abigail covered Capitol Hill, where she interviewed notable lawmakers such as Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan. During her time on the Hill, Abigail loved highlighting how God is moving in the House and Senate by covering different ministries on Capitol Hill and sharing lawmakers’ testimonies and
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