President Joe Biden delivered a primetime address to the nation from the Oval Office on Thursday night, urging Congress and the American people to support his $100 billion supplemental funding request, which includes billions of dollars in aid for Israel and Ukraine.
The president argued that helping these two countries in their wars against Hamas and Russia is vital for America’s national security and global leadership.
Biden’s speech came after his visit to Israel this week, where he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog.
He reaffirmed the United States’ unwavering commitment to Israel’s right to defend itself from the rocket attacks by Hamas, the militant group that controls the Gaza Strip.
He also announced that he would provide $14 billion in additional assistance to Israel, including replenishing its Iron Dome missile defense system and supporting its humanitarian efforts for the Palestinians.
Biden said that America has a moral obligation to stand with Israel, its closest ally in the Middle East, and to prevent the conflict from expanding into a larger regional war.
He also stressed the need to protect the human rights and dignity of both Israelis and Palestinians, and to work towards a peaceful and lasting solution based on a two-state vision.
Biden’s speech also addressed the ongoing war in Ukraine, where Russia has invaded and occupied parts of the country since February 2022.
He said that America stands with Ukraine in its fight for sovereignty and democracy, and that Russia’s aggression poses a threat to the stability and security of Europe and the world.
He also announced that he would provide $60 billion in additional assistance to Ukraine, including weapons, training, intelligence, and economic support.
Biden said that America has a strategic interest in supporting Ukraine, as it is a key partner in the region and a frontline state against Russian expansionism.
He also said that America has a historic responsibility to uphold the international order and the rule of law, and that Russia’s violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity cannot go unpunished.
Biden concluded his speech by appealing to Congress and the American people to approve his supplemental funding request, which he said is a smart investment that will pay dividends for American security for generations.
He said that America cannot afford to let terrorists like Hamas and tyrants like Putin win, and that America must act as a beacon to the world and a leader of alliances.
He also urged Americans to reject any forms of hatred or violence against Jews, Muslims, or Palestinians in their own communities.
Biden said that America faces a moment of decision, and that he is confident that Americans will choose to do what is right and what is necessary.
He said that America has always risen to the occasion when faced with challenges, and that he believes that America will do so again.