Following President Joe Biden's return to the U.S. from his visit to Israel, he immediately addressed the nation in a 15-minute speech from the Oval Office.
Presidents typically reserve Oval Office addresses for significant events or crises. Including his October 19th address, Biden has only spoken from the Oval Office twice since taking office. His previous address followed Congress's last-minute bill passage to raise the debt ceiling.
In his Thursday remarks, Biden urged Americans to support U.S. government aid for Israel and Ukraine in their respective conflicts. The White House has requested Congress approve $100 billion in aid for security concerns in Israel, Ukraine, and the U.S. southern border.
Biden emphasized that while the conflicts in Israel and Ukraine might seem distant, both Hamas and Russian President Vladimir Putin aim to eradicate neighboring democratic nations, posing a threat to democracy. He reiterated the U.S.'s role as a defender of democracy.
During his visit to Israel, Biden did not call for a cessation of hostilities but instead recognized the need to confront Hamas, pledging full support for Israel.
On the same day as Biden's Oval Office address, top Israeli officials, including the Prime Minister, Defense Minister, and military commanders, hinted that a ground assault on Gaza was imminent.
Ground Assault Looms
According to the Israel Times, Israeli Defense Minister Gantz told Israeli forces at the Gaza border, "You're currently observing Gaza from a distance, but soon you'll be seeing it from within." He indicated that orders for the assault would be issued "soon."
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu told troops, "All of Israel stands behind you. We will strike our enemies hard and emerge victorious."
Yaron Finkelman, commander of the IDF's Southern Command, accused adversaries of causing significant harm to Israel, which has retaliated fiercely. Finkelman's strategy is to "take the fight to their land, where we will defeat them." He warned of prolonged and intense battles ahead but assured precise and lethal strikes until the mission is accomplished.
On Thursday evening, Israel's security cabinet convened for an emergency meeting. Any ground assault on Gaza would require the cabinet's approval.
Before Biden's visit, Israel had mobilized 360,000 reservists, amassed Merkava main battle tanks, artillery, and 300,000 soldiers at the Gaza border.
The IDF intensified airstrikes on Gaza, targeting Hamas bases and tunnel networks. Israel estimates Hamas has between 30,000 to 40,000 members. It's widely anticipated that Israel would launch a ground assault on Gaza after Biden's visit.
Reports suggest that during Biden's visit, Israel's leadership requested a reduction in airstrikes on Gaza. However, intensive airstrikes resumed on Wednesday evening and continued throughout Thursday after Biden's departure.
While no official announcement has been made regarding the timing of the ground assault, Middle Eastern media speculate it could begin as early as this weekend, with a comprehensive attack from land, sea, and air.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Gaza, home to over 2 million people and spanning just 365 square kilometers, is densely populated. Hamas, integrated with the civilian population, is equipped with anti-tank missiles, rockets, drones, landmines, and various explosives. A ground invasion would inevitably lead to significant casualties.
Gaza's extensive tunnel network, dubbed the "Gaza Metro" by Israel, will pose challenges for advancing Israeli forces. These tunnels, initially used for smuggling essentials from Egypt, now span the entirety of Gaza.
During his visit, Biden persuaded Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza through the Rafah border crossing. As per the agreement, UN personnel will inspect vehicles entering Gaza. The UN will collaborate with Egypt and the Palestinian Red Crescent to ensure aid reaches civilians and not Hamas.
Currently, over 200 trucks loaded with 3,000 tons of aid are stationed near the Rafah crossing. The crossing is expected to open as early as Friday local time.
As of Thursday, the current conflict has resulted in 3,785 deaths in Gaza, with over 2,500 being women and children, and another 12,000 injured. On the Israeli side, 1,400 have died, with 3,800 injured.
