Biden Emphasizes America's Ironclad Commitment to Israel's Security Against Threats from the Islamic Republic and Its Proxy Groups

On Thursday, August 4, U.S. President Joe Biden announced that during his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, they discussed "a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages." The White House stated that Biden reiterated America's "ironclad commitment" to Israel's security against all threats from the Islamic Republic and its proxy groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. Biden wrote on social media platform "X" that he also addressed the "humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the need for basic services, and the protection of civilians during military operations" in his conversation with Netanyahu. According to the White House website, the U.S. President and the Israeli Prime Minister discussed "developments in Gaza and ongoing negotiations regarding a ceasefire and hostage release" in detail. Biden emphasized the necessity of bridging remaining gaps in negotiations, quickly finalizing agreements, returning hostages, and ending the war in Gaza. He also raised the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the need to remove any obstacles to aid and basic services for the needy, and the critical importance of protecting civilian lives during military operations. This was the first meeting between Biden and Netanyahu since the U.S. President's visit to Jerusalem last October, following Hamas's attack on Israel on October 15 of the previous year. A senior U.S. official had previously stated that Biden would emphasize his "unwavering commitment to Israel's security" and discuss threats against Israel from Iran-backed groups in the Middle East, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and Houthi militants in Yemen. In his speech to the U.S. Congress, Netanyahu called for strengthening U.S. support for Israel's fight against Hamas militants and other groups supported by the Islamic Republic, stating, "Israel fights in its battle against the Islamic Republic for America's interests." In a brief statement before meeting with Biden, Netanyahu referred to their four-decade acquaintance and thanked him for 50 years of public service and support for Israel. Biden also stated in a televised speech after announcing his withdrawal from the upcoming presidential election that he would continue efforts to end the war in Gaza, return all hostages home, establish peace and security in the Middle East, and end this war. The two leaders met with the families of Americans taken hostage by Hamas in Gaza. In this context, Biden wrote on social media that these families have endured unimaginable suffering, stating, "I will do everything possible to bring all hostages home, including the bodies of those who have died in captivity." Kamala Harris, the U.S. Vice President, wrote on social media that she had a "frank and constructive meeting" with Netanyahu regarding a range of topics, including his commitment to Israel's security, the importance of addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the urgent need for a ceasefire and hostage deal. Following Biden's withdrawal from the electoral race, Harris is a potential Democratic candidate against former President Donald Trump in the November 2024 presidential election. Harris's meeting with Netanyahu was closely monitored by experts and analysts looking for signs of how U.S. policy towards Israel may change under a potential Harris presidency. According to Reuters, after her meeting with Netanyahu, Harris stated, "Israel has the right to defend itself, and how it does so is important." She added that she expressed serious concerns about the extent of human suffering in Gaza. Harris emphasized, "I made my serious concerns about the dire humanitarian situation there clear. I will not be silent." Reuters noted that Harris's serious and stern tone reflects a possible shift in U.S. behavior towards Netanyahu after Biden's presidency. Meanwhile, John Kirby, the White House National Security spokesperson, commented on the ceasefire agreement, stating that gaps exist between Israel and the Palestinian militants of Hamas, who govern Gaza. However, he said, "We are closer to [an agreement] now than we were before," emphasizing that both sides need to compromise. The Israeli military operation in Gaza has caused significant destruction and resulted in nearly 40,000 deaths according to Hamas, a figure that is unverified. Israel claims to have killed thousands of Hamas members and their ally, Islamic Jihad. The Gaza Health Ministry does not differentiate between civilian and militant casualties. Israel has repeatedly stated that Hamas uses civilians as human shields. The ongoing war in Gaza began following Hamas's terrorist attack on southern Israel on October 15 of the previous year. Hamas, which is supported militarily and financially by the Islamic Republic, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, Israel, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan.