President Joe Biden has cautioned Israel against an occupation of Gaza in the wake of preparations for a ground offensive following Hamas' Oct. 7 attack, resulting in significant Israeli casualties.
"I think it would be a mistake for Israel to occupy Gaza," President Biden stated during an interview on "60 Minutes." He emphasized his belief in the necessity of eliminating Hamas, expressing confidence that Israel would act in accordance with established rules of warfare.
President Biden underscored the importance of a Palestinian authority and the need for a viable path towards a Palestinian state.
In related news, there is speculation regarding a potential visit by President Biden to Israel, as disclosed by a senior official. When questioned about this prospect, National Security Council Spokesperson Adrienne Watson mentioned that there were no official announcements at present, neither confirming nor ruling out the possibility.
President Biden's previously scheduled visit to Colorado was cancelled, with a White House official indicating a rescheduling to allow the president's participation in critical national security discussions.
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Antony Blinken is taking a prominent role in representing the Biden administration in Israel. He recently arrived in Tel Aviv, holding discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
A spokesperson for Blinken affirmed his steadfast support for Israel's right to self-defense against Hamas' acts of terrorism, reiterating the U.S. commitment to equipping the Israeli government with the necessary resources to safeguard its citizens.
The conflict has now escalated into the deadliest of the five Gaza wars for both sides, resulting in a confirmed toll of over 4,000 lives lost.
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