US President Joe Biden will visit Israel and Jordan on Wednesday to show the US’s “steadfast support” for Israel after “Hamas’s brutal terrorist attack” and to address pressing regional concerns with Arab leaders, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre announced Monday.
Biden’s visit to Israel is expected to be an important step in dealing with the aftermath of Hamas’ attack and Israel’s response and consulting on next moves.
After his visit to Israel, Biden will head to Amman, Jordan, for high-level meetings with key regional leaders, Jordan’s King Abdullah, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
The talks in Jordan will cover a wide variety of significant issues, including not only the security situation, but also the urgent humanitarian needs of Gaza’s residents.
The Press Secretary stated that Biden will “reiterate that Hamas does not stand for the Palestinian people’s right to dignity and self-determination.”
During the visit, Israel will also discuss how it plans to conduct operations in a way that minimizes civilian casualties and guarantees humanitarian supplies reaches civilians without helping Hamas.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who has been actively engaged in the region, announced Biden’s visit earlier in a demonstration of the United States support for Israel.
The visit comes as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens while Israel plans a possible ground offensive to eradicate Hamas militants.