President Joe Biden pledged support for Israel after Hamas carried out an attack in its southern region Saturday, pledging that Washington, D.C., will “make sure” they have what they need to help their citizens as they defend themselves.
Hamas fired thousands of rockets, while dozens of their fighters infiltrated the heavily fortified border by air, land and sea in areas near the Gaza Strip, marking an escalation in the decades-long Israel-Palestinian conflict. The attack quickly drew bipartisan rebuke from leaders in the Unite States, as Israel is seen as its closest Middle Eastern ally.
Biden delivered remarks at the White House condemning the attack, issuing a stark warning to Israel’s enemies.
“Israel has its right to defend itself and its people. Full stop. There’s never justification for terrorist attacks, and my administration’s support for Israel’s security is rock solid and unwavering. Let me say this as clearly as I can. This is not a moment for any party hostile to Israel to exploit these attacks to seek advantage. The world is watching,” he said.
Meanwhile, several social media posts circulated on Saturday alleging that Biden authorized an $8 billion security package following the attacks.
The Claim
The claim was posted by several high-profile accounts, including some apparent news websites and appeared to originate from a photograph appearing to show a White House press release declaring the $8 billion in aid.
The photograph suggests Biden ordered the Department of State to “direct the drawdown of up to $8 billion in defense articles and services of the Department of Defense, and military education and