In a powerful address following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken conveyed unwavering support and deep empathy for Israel during this challenging period, emphasizing the global significance of the current situation.
Blinken, addressing the nation from Israel, touched upon his personal connection to the region as a Jew, recounting his grandfather’s escape from Russian pogroms and his stepfather’s survival of Holocaust concentration camps. He acknowledged the harrowing echoes that the recent actions of Hamas have for Israeli Jews and Jews worldwide, expressing his anguish over the loss of innocent lives.
As a husband and father, Blinken connected on a deeply emotional level with the tragic events, stressing the impact of images showing families, like the one in Kibbutz Nir Oz, who were ruthlessly attacked by Hamas. He drew parallels between these horrific acts and the brutality of ISIS, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
While condemning the depravity of Hamas, Blinken also highlighted the bravery of Israeli citizens who have shown remarkable resilience and unity in the face of adversity. He shared stories of individuals who went to great lengths to protect their loved ones, highlighting the unwavering solidarity of the Israeli people.
One of the central messages Blinken conveyed was the unwavering support of the United States for Israel. He assured Israel that it has a steadfast ally in America, emphasizing that as long as the United States exists, Israel will never have to stand alone in defending itself. He reiterated that this message had been consistently conveyed by President Biden since the beginning of the crisis.
Blinken welcomed the creation of a national emergency government in Israel, highlighting the unity and resolve it represents across Israeli society. He affirmed that the U.S. is fulfilling its commitments by supplying essential defense materiel, including ammunition interceptors for Israel’s Iron Dome, with further support on the way. Blinken underlined the strong bipartisan support in the U.S. Congress for Israel’s security.
Furthermore, Blinken issued a clear warning to any actors, state or non-state, contemplating taking advantage of the crisis to attack Israel, stating that the United States has Israel’s back. He mentioned the deployment of the world’s largest aircraft carrier to the Eastern Mediterranean and the increased presence of U.S. fighter aircraft in the region to support Israel.
In addition, Blinken mentioned the U.S.’s efforts to secure the release of hostages taken by Hamas and its ongoing intensive diplomacy to prevent the conflict from spreading in the region.
The Secretary of State criticized world leaders who equivocate when it comes to terrorist attacks against Israel, stressing that there is no excuse or justification for such atrocities. He emphasized the importance of moral clarity and called for universal condemnation of Hamas’s reign of terror.
Blinken made it clear that Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people or their legitimate aspirations. He noted Hamas’s oppressive rule and its focus on terror tunnels and rockets, asserting that their sole agenda is to destroy Israel and murder Jews. In response, he affirmed Israel’s right and obligation to defend itself and prevent future atrocities.
While advocating for self-defense, Blinken reiterated the importance of taking every possible precaution to avoid harming civilians. He emphasized the value democracies place on human life and dignity, underscoring that it’s what sets them apart from terrorists.
Sadly, Blinken noted that the death toll continues to rise, including at least 25 American citizens among the casualties. He concluded his address with a call for unity and a commitment to confront hatred and violence with a vision of a more peaceful, integrated, secure, and prosperous Middle East.
The address concluded with a heartfelt handshake and embrace between Secretary Blinken and Prime Minister Netanyahu, symbolizing the strong bond between their nations during this difficult time.
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