President Biden Addresses the Nation on Israel-Hamas and Ukraine-Russia Wars
President Biden delivers a rare primetime Oval Office address on Thursday, October 19, 2023 (Official White House Photo by Adam Schultz).
The President declared support for both Israel and Ukraine in a primetime address from the Oval Office on Thursday Evening.
Article by Ryan Hartnett, Junior White House Producer
WASHINGTON - President Biden delivered a primetime address from the Oval Office on Thursday evening to encourage Americans to support Israel and Ukraine in their ongoing wars with Hamas and Russia. Biden’s address comes one day after his visit to Israel where he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The President used Thursday’s address to inform Americans about the ongoing conflict overseas and how support for Israel and Ukraine is critical to the United States and supporting fellow NATO allies.
“History has taught us that when terrorists don’t pay a price for their terror, when dictators don’t pay a price for their aggression, they cause more chaos and death and destruction” said Biden from behind the Resolute Desk, “They keep going and the cost and the threats to America and to the world keep rising.”
Biden took the time in his primetime address on Thursday to denounce recent acts of antisemitism and Islamophobia in the United States. Biden spoke directly to those in Muslim American and Palestine American communities to reassure them that they belong.
“And here in America, let us not forget who we are,” Biden said to all Americans tuned into his address, “We reject all forms - all forms of hate, whether against Muslims, Jews, or anyone. That's what great nations do, and we are a great nation.”
Biden reaffirmed his commitment to the support of those in Israel and Ukraine and reminded Americans that there is no place for hate in this country.
““We must, without equivocation, denounce antisemitism,” Biden said. “We must also, without equivocation, denounce Islamophobia.
Biden also called on congress to approve a budget request that would provide military assistance and aid to both Israel and Ukraine in their ongoing wars against Hamas and Russia.
“It's a smart investment that's going to pay dividends for American security for generations,” Biden described about his request for providing aid.
The budget request faces opposition on both sides of the aisle. Progressive Democrats strongly oppose the move of sending arms to Israel and conservative Republicans oppose sending more aid to Ukraine after already sending more than $100 billion in aid since the start of the war.
The budget request from the President also faces a steep challenge as the House of Representatives is still without a speaker and no end in sight after 16 days of voting.
The President encouraged leaders on both sides of the aisle to come together and act now as time is of the essence.
“We can’t let petty, partisan, angry politics get in the way of our responsibilities as a great nation,” said Biden urging action from lawmakers in the House and Senate.
Biden concluded his primetime address to Americans by speaking about what the stakes are for the United States and why the United States support for Israel and Ukraine is important in these times.
“We cannot and will not let terrorists like Hamas and tyrants like Putin win. I refuse to let that happen.” said Biden as he closed out his primetime Oval Office address.