Video: US President Biden's declaration in Israel clarifying that the return of abductees is a top priority/Photo: Reuters
A senior Israeli official confirmed that the US will send two Iron Dome batteries belonging to the US military. The US will send the missile defense systems without crews and they will be operated by Israeli teams. The Israeli official said Israel asked the United States to send the two batteries during visits by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin last week, and President Biden approved the move. According to the senior Israeli official, Israel needs additional Iron Dome batteries to prepare for a scenario of a multi-front confrontation.
Interceptions over Ashkelon/Reuters
US President Joe Biden, Kempinski Hotel, Tel Aviv October 18, 2023/Reuters
The move comes a day after US President Biden's visit to Israel. During his visit, Biden met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the War Cabinet and the families of abductees.
"I'm here for a very simple reason – my secretary of state was here but I wanted to come myself and say: The Hamas terrorist organization massacred more than 1300 people, including 31 Americans. They kidnapped dozens of people, including children. You mentioned that the children were hiding from Hamas — I can't imagine what the children were thinking to themselves in those terrible moments," Biden said.
The US president added: "In light of the terrible acts of Hamas, cruel and inhuman acts that are hard to believe happened, this cabinet was established. He rises and is united and strong. You're not alone. We will continue to support Israel. We will continue to work with you and partners in the region to prevent more tragedies. 75 years ago, the State of Israel was founded on the principles of freedom, justice and peace. The United States stands with you in defense of your freedom and the pursuit of justice and support for peace. Today, tomorrow and always."
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