Hours after Hamas launched a brutal attack on Israel, leading Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to declare to Israeli citizens, “We are at war,” the White House has responded, declaring the U.S. “unequivocally condemns the unprovoked attacks.”
A statement from White House National Security Council Spokesperson Adrienne Watson reads, “The U.S. unequivocally condemns the unprovoked attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli civilians. There is never any justification for terrorism. We stand firmly with the Government and people of Israel and extend our condolences for the Israeli lives lost in these attacks.”
“National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has spoken to Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi and we remain in close contact with our Israeli partners,” Watson adds.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has spoken to Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi and we remain in close contact with our Israeli partners.
— Adrienne Watson (@NSC_Spox) October 7, 2023
As BizPac Review has reported, in an operation dubbed “Al-Aqsa Flood,” Hamas launched 5,000 rockets from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel as armed militants paraglided across Israel’s border.
“This is the day of the greatest battle to end the last occupation on earth,” Hamas’s leader, Mohammed Deif, proclaimed.
In response, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched “Operation Iron Swords” and began taking out Hamas terrorist sites.
“Operational commanders are arriving to manage the combat in all areas,” IDF Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Hagari said. “Concurrently, we have initiated the call-up of reservists for various units within the IDF.”
Netanyahu declares ‘we are at war’ after Hamas launches rockets into Israel, armed militants PARAGLIDE across border https://t.co/TUV7BYG1qy via @BIZPACReview
— BPR based (@DumpstrFireNews) October 7, 2023
Multiple accounts on X are reporting that Israel has confirmed the capture of IDF General Nimrod Eloni by Hamas, however, we have been unable to independently confirm those claims.
BREAKING Israel has now confirmed the capture of IDF General Nimrod Eloni. https://t.co/ZotEbRlyYD
— OSINT Updates (@OsintUpdates) October 7, 2023
Speaking to Israeli media on Saturday, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said, “We will ensure that Israel has everything it needs” to defend itself.
U.S. lawmakers, meanwhile, are joining the White House in condemning the attack.
“On the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War, Iran-backed terrorists fired rockets into Israel and even invaded southern Israel. This unprovoked attack against the Jewish State must be unequivocally condemned,” stated Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.). “Radical terror will never win, and I will always stand with Israel as it defends itself against those who seek its destruction. We mourn the lives of innocent Israelis lost and pray for peace.”
“As we stand unwaveringly with the people of Israel in this fight against terrorism, I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the victims of these senseless attacks,” wrote Rep. Don Davis (D-N.C.).
“I strongly condemn the Palestinian militants who are striking the Israeli state at this hour,” said Rep. Brandon Williams (R-N.Y.). “The jihadists and their supporters are enemies of humanity and enemies of peace. I stand with the Israeli people as they protect their families, homes, and border. Baruch dayan ha’emet.”
Radical terror will never win, and I will always stand with Israel as it defends itself against those who seek its destruction.
We mourn the lives of innocent Israelis lost and pray for peace.
— Rep Josh Gottheimer (@RepJoshG) October 7, 2023
As we stand unwaveringly with the people of Israel in this fight against terrorism, I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the victims of these senseless attacks. https://t.co/jzJbIo8a4D
— Congressman Don Davis (@RepDonDavis) October 7, 2023
I strongly condemn the Palestinian militants who are striking the Israeli state at this hour. The jihadists and their supporters are enemies of humanity and enemies of peace. I stand with the Israeli people as they protect their families, homes, and border. Baruch dayan ha’emet. pic.twitter.com/MM0B5cGNVq
— Rep. Brandon Williams (@RepWilliams) October 7, 2023
As of this writing, President Joe Biden has yet to issue a statement.
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Melissa Fine is the former executive editor of Casino Player, Strictly Slots, and Poker
Digest magazines. She is a UCLA graduate, news junkie, and dedicated Stargate SG-
1 fan. Melissa currently lives with her dog and two cats in a tiny town in the Sierra
Nevada foothills.
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