President Biden: ‘Iran wants to destroy Israel forever’

President Joe Biden accused Iran of seeking to destroy Israel “forever,” warning that the U.S. could be dragged in to a regional war if the situation escalates  

“The government of Iran wants to destroy Israel forever — wiping the world’s only Jewish state off the map,” Biden wrote in Wall Street Journal.

“After years of backing Hezbollah, Hamas and other proxies in their attacks on Israel, including Hamas’s brutal attack on October 7, Iran launched a direct attack of its own…if Iran succeeds in significantly escalating its assault on Israel, the US could be drawn in,” he added.

Biden reiterated Washington’s string alliance with Israel, saying: “It’s unthinkable that we would stand by if its defences were weakened and Iran was able to carry out the destruction it intended this weekend. We can make that outcome less likely by replenishing Israel’s air defences and providing military aid now, so its defences can remain fully stocked and ready.”

The president also urged Congress to pass an aid bill for Ukraine and Israel, saying that while they can both defend their own sovereignty, “they depend on American assistance, including weaponry, to do it, and this is a pivotal moment.”

“I’ve been clear about my concerns over the safety of civilians in Gaza amid the war with Hamas, but this aid package is focused on Israel’s long-term defensive needs to ensure it can maintain its military edge against Iran or any other adversary. Importantly, this bill has funding that will allow us to continue delivering urgent humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza as well as others who have felt the impact of conflicts around the world,” he added.