Joe Biden to visit Israel as concerns grow over conflict escalating
US President Joe Biden is scheduled to travel to Israel on Wednesday, 18th October, to demonstrate his steadfast support for the US ally as he is highly concerned that the Israel-Hamas war should not expand into a greater theatre of war in the Middle East as that would have serious repercussions for global trade and supply chains.
Biden’s trip will come almost 11 days after Hamas’ ambushed Israel militarily, leading to retaliatory airstrikes on Gaza.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is currently in Tel Aviv, announced Biden’s visit following an overnight meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“He’s coming here at a critical moment for Israel, for the region, and for the world. President Biden will underscore our crystal-clear message to any actor, state, or non-state trying to take advantage of this crisis to attack Israel. Don’t,” Blinken said.
Biden “will again make clear, as he’s done unequivocally”, that Israel “has the right and indeed the duty to defend its people” following the Hamas attack. Biden will travel to Tel Aviv, where he will hold a bilateral meeting with Netanyahu and meet with other Israeli officials, media reports said.
Biden will once again caution Netanyahu that he observes all the norms of international warfare not harming civilians as Israel lines up military tanks in a plan to launch a major ground invasion on the Gaza Strip.
Biden will hear from Israeli leaders on their needs for the U.S. to defend itself.
The White House is seeking approval from Congress to provide military aid to Israel, reports said.
Israel has advised Palestinians in northern Gaza to head south ahead of a ground offensive, prompting concerns that other Middle East adversaries could join the conflict, USA Today reported.
The death toll on both sides of the war has surpassed 4,000 — about 2,800 in Gaza — and more than 10,000 are wounded. Blinken said at least 30 Americans were killed in Israel.
[With Inputs from IANS]
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