The US condemned “Hamas terrorists” assaults on Israel “unequivocally” on Saturday and promised to ensure the vital US ally has the capabilities to defend itself.
The White House said President Joe Biden was briefed on “the appalling Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel,” and that he was in frequent communication with Israeli partners as the crisis unfolded.
Earlier Saturday, the Palestinian militant group Hamas began an air, sea, and land offensive against Israel.
“The United States unequivocally condemns the unprovoked attacks,” National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said in a statement, adding that “there is never any justification for terrorism.”
Israel said it was at war with Hamas following the surprise dawn attack from the blockaded Gaza Strip.
“We stand firmly with the Government and people of Israel and extend our condolences for the Israeli lives lost in these attacks,” Watson said.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reaffirmed the United States’ “unwavering” commitment to ensuring Israel was able to enforce its right to defend itself.
“Over the coming days the Department of Defense will work to ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself and protect civilians from indiscriminate violence and terrorism,” Austin said.
Since its foundation, Israel has received lavish US military aid — more than $125 billion, according to a US State Department report from 2021.
This has allowed it to develop “one of the world’s most capable, effective militaries and turned the Israeli military industry and technology sector into one of the largest exporters of military capabilities worldwide,” according to the report.
According to a White House statement, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi on Saturday and will continue to communicate.
Prior to Saturday’s attack, President Biden had hoped to alter the Middle East — and score a pre-election diplomatic success — by gaining Saudi Arabia’s recognition of the Jewish state, the custodian of Islam’s two holiest sites.