On October 7, 2023, President Biden found himself facing one of the most perilous foreign policy crises of his term. In response to the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas, Biden took immediate action by speaking directly to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.[0] The two leaders had a bilateral meeting, during which Biden expressed America’s unwavering support for Israel and warned its enemies not to exploit the attacks.[1]
Later in the day, President Biden gave a television address from the White House, reiterating America’s strong support for Israel and condemning the attacks by Hamas. He emphasized that Israel has the right to defend itself and its people, and that terrorism is never justified.[2] Biden also warned against any other party hostile to Israel seeking advantage in the situation.[0]
The Biden administration’s response to the crisis received both praise and criticism. Former President Trump and other Republican contenders for the 2024 election blamed Biden’s policies for emboldening militants and claimed that American taxpayer dollars had funded the attacks.[2] However, Biden’s allies pushed back against these allegations, stating that the funds involved in a recent deal with Iran were not taxpayer dollars but Iranian money that had been frozen under U.S. penalties.[3]
Internationally, Biden consulted with European and Middle Eastern leaders, including Israeli President Herzog and Israeli Prime Minister Bennett.[4] He received strong statements of support from the White House and the State Department, as well as from other world leaders. King Abdullah II of Jordan also had a phone call with Biden to discuss the deteriorating situation between the Palestinians and the Israelis and explore means to end the escalation and protect civilians.[5]
The conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated with Hamas launching thousands of rockets into Israel and infiltrating Israeli territory.[6] The attacks resulted in casualties among both Israeli civilians and soldiers. The international community condemned these actions and called for a swift and lethal response to the terrorist attacks.
As the crisis continued, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that the U.S. may soon send additional military aid to Israel.[7] The situation remained tense, with ongoing discussions and efforts to restore peace in the region.
In conclusion, the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas in October 2023 presented a significant foreign policy challenge for President Biden. He swiftly condemned the attacks, expressed unwavering support for Israel, and warned against any party seeking to exploit the situation. The Biden administration faced criticism from political opponents, but also received strong statements of support from allies and world leaders. Efforts were made to de-escalate the conflict and restore peace in the region, with discussions of potential military aid to Israel. The situation remained fluid and tense, with the international community closely monitoring developments.
0. “Remarks by President Biden on the Terrorist Attacks in Israel” The America Times , 8 Oct. 2023, https://www.america-times.com/remarks-by-president-biden-on-the-terrorist-attacks-in-israel/
1. “Terrorist group’s attack on Israel is yet another Biden geopolitical failure” Washington Examiner, 7 Oct. 2023, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/terrorist-groups-attack-on-israel-is-yet-another-biden-geopolitical-failure
2. “Hamas Terrorist Strikes on Israel Spark Misinformation Attacks in the US” WhoWhatWhy, 8 Oct. 2023, https://whowhatwhy.org/politics/us-politics/hamas-terrorist-strikes-on-israel-spark-misinformation-attacks-in-the-us/
3. “Assault on Israel fuels political attacks in the U.S. presidential race” The Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2023, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/10/07/assault-israel-fuels-political-attacks-us-presidential-race/
4. “DeSantis accuses Biden of ‘sleeping on the job’ after president said he dealt with Israel, Hamas crisis at 7.3” Daily Mail, 8 Oct. 2023, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12606897/DeSantis-accuses-Biden-sleeping-job-president-said-dealt-Israel-Hamas-crisis-7-30am-EIGHT-HOURS-attacks-began.html
5. “King, US president discuss deteriorating situation between Palestinians, Israelis” Jordan News, 7 Oct. 2023, https://www.jordannews.jo/Section-109/News/King-US-president-discuss-deteriorating-situation-between-Palestinians-Israelis-31344
6. “Hamas Just Torched Biden’s Deal to Remake the Middle East” Bloomberg, 7 Oct. 2023, https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2023-10-07/hamas-s-attack-on-israel-just-torched-biden-s-deal-to-remake-the-middle-east
7. “Biden speaks on violence in Israel – Wausau” WSAW, 7 Oct. 2023, https://www.wsaw.com/video/2023/10/07/biden-speaks-violence-israel
