The President of the United States, Joe Biden, appealed directly to Americans last Thursday night (20) for the country’s support for the wars in Israel and Ukraine, during an address to the nation.
A “turning point in history”
Biden has often called this moment in history an “inflection point” — a battle between the world’s democracies and autocracies.
He argued that “this is one of those times,” making a direct appeal to the American people as he tries to rally support for U.S. funding for wars abroad that could face a challenging path in Congress, which remains unable to pass bills for a second week. without a speaker.
War comparisons
Biden compared this month’s events in Israel to the nearly 20 months of war in Ukraine.
The American leader accused both Hamas and Russian President Vladimir Putin of wanting to “completely annihilate a neighboring democracy.” But he noted that they “pose different threats.”
Appeal for support
The president said support for the two wars in Israel and Ukraine is “vital to U.S. national security.”
And he warned, more broadly, that the United States’ adversaries and competitors “are watching.”
He also announced that he would present to Congress this Friday (20) an “urgent budget request” for additional funding for Israelis and Ukrainians, among other national security priorities.
A firm stance against hate
Biden spoke out against Islamophobia and anti-Semitism, both of which have intensified in recent days, offering comfort and condemnation.
The president acknowledged the fear of Jewish families “concerned about being targeted at school, wearing symbols of their faith, walking the streets or going about their daily lives.”
He further sympathized with the country’s Muslims who are “outraged… saying to themselves, ‘here we go again, with the Islamophobia and mistrust we saw after 9/11.'”
A message of recognition was offered to those affected during the speech: “To all of you who are suffering, I want you to know that I see you. You belong. I want to say this to you: you are an American.”
Reflection on trip to Israel
Biden reflected on his recent trip to Israel, where he met with Israeli officials and reaffirmed support for the country.
He said that while he was there, he “saw people who were strong, determined, resilient and also angry, in shock and in very, very deep pain.”
The president also renewed his pledge to bring American hostages home to the United States, saying “there is no higher priority for me than the safety of Americans being held hostage.”
Two-state solution
Biden reiterated support for a two-state solution, saying “Israel and the Palestinians equally deserve to live in security, dignity and peace.”
Hamas clarification
Biden sought to draw a clear distinction between Hamas and the Palestinian people.
He said the extremist group “does not represent the Palestinian people” and accused them of using Palestinian citizens “as human shields.”
The president said he was “heartbroken by the tragic loss of Palestinian lives” and added that the US “remains committed to the Palestinian people’s right to dignity and self-determination.”
See also: Biden: We got justice after 9/11, but we also made mistakes
Source: CNN Brasil
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