(Washington) The administration of President Joe Biden will send additional aid to Israel, Washington’s historic ally hit by attacks by Palestinian Hamas, the White House announced on Sunday, details of this reinforced support being awaited in the daytime.
“The President has ordered additional support for Israel following Hamas’ unprecedented terrorist assault,” the US executive said in a brief statement.
Joe Biden is being kept informed of the situation and White House officials remain in contact with Israeli officials, the same source added.
PHOTO MANUEL BALCE CENETA, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Joe Biden assured Israel of US “unwavering support” following Hamas attack.
“We are looking at new specific demands from the Israelis. I think you’re probably going to hear more about that today,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken previously told CNN.
High-level contacts between American and Israeli officials increased after a surprise offensive launched from the Gaza Strip by the Palestinian Islamist movement, and the two sides in particular had an “in-depth discussion” on the needs for military aid , a senior White House official said on Saturday evening.
He explained that an announcement on the American side was possible on Sunday, but recognized a complicated institutional situation for the executive, since one of the two chambers of Congress is paralyzed after the dismissal of its Republican leader last week.
Mr. Blinken recalled on CNN on Sunday that President Barack Obama signed an agreement with Israel in 2016 “to provide $3.8 billion in military aid per year.”
The secretary of state also shared reports that Americans were among the victims of the attacks, “we are working to verify that,” he said.
PHOTO ELIZABETH FRANTZ, REUTERS
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken
Israeli Ambassador to the United States Michael Herzog, for his part, indicated that American citizens were among the hundred people, civilians and soldiers, kidnapped in Israel by Hamas fighters from the Gaza Strip.
“The entire executive [américain] has engaged with the entire region, and beyond, to build support for Israel and to ensure that every country uses every means it has, every influence it has, to a withdrawal of Hamas and ensuring that conflict does not break out in other places,” Antony Blinken also said on ABC.
Asked about a possible intention by Hamas to trigger hostilities in order to torpedo discussions – supported by Washington – aimed at diplomatic normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia, the Secretary of State replied: “That could be part of the motivations. Look, who is opposed to standardization? Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran. So it wouldn’t be a surprise.”
The death toll from the war between Hamas and Israel rose on Sunday to 370 dead in the Gaza Strip and “more than 600” in Israel, according to the latest authorities’ reports, to which are added thousands of wounded.