Biden's Historic Oval Office Address: Unveiling Unprecedented Wartime Aid to Israel and Ukraine

President Joe Biden is set to deliver a direct appeal to the American people in order to secure ongoing funding for Ukraine and Israel, as they continue their war efforts. This plea will be made during a highly anticipated Oval Office address on Thursday, as confirmed by two officials in the administration. The speech will be televised during primetime and is strategically timed to precede the White House's formal request to Congress for over $100 billion. This funding will be allocated for providing aid and resources to Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and the US-Mexico border. Biden's objective will be to emphasize that supporting Ukraine and Israel is crucial for the national security interests of the United States, especially during this pivotal moment in global affairs.

According to one official, he will argue that the cost of not taking action and abandoning the situation is significantly higher. In August, the Biden administration submitted its final supplemental funding request, which includes specific requests beyond typical government programs. The proposal sought $24.1 billion to support Ukraine until the year's end, but Congress did not approve it during the process to authorize short-term federal funding.

The public's perception of US assistance has been a subject of debate.

According to a recent poll conducted by CNN, the majority of respondents expressed sympathy towards the Israeli people following unexpected attacks carried out by Hamas. However, opinions regarding the appropriate level of US involvement were divided. Approximately 35% of participants believed that the current level of assistance provided by the US is adequate, while another 36% were uncertain about its appropriateness. It is worth noting that the US has a long-standing history of offering security assistance to Israel, with an annual allocation of around $4 billion for a period of 10 years as part of a memorandum of understanding. The recent request calls for an additional allocation of billions of dollars.

A wounded individual receives aid at Shifa Hospital following an Israeli airstrike that targeted the adjacent Al-Ahli Hospital, as reported by the Gaza Health Ministry in Gaza City, Gaza Strip, on October 17, 2023. REUTERS/Mohammed Al-Masri

Mohammed Al-Masri/Reuters

Israel-Hamas war rages as crisis in Gaza deepens

Support for sustaining aid to Ukraine has significantly decreased following Russia's unprovoked invasion in February 2022. A recent CNN poll in August revealed that 55% of respondents believe Congress should not allocate additional funding for Ukraine. The partisan divide has also intensified, with nearly three-quarters of Republicans opposing further aid, while 62% of Democrats remain in favor.

Since the invasion, the White House and Congress have already provided over $75 billion in funding for Kyiv, as reported by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen assured European leaders on Monday that the United States is fully capable of obtaining backing for additional assistance. In an interview with Sky News, she stated that Washington has the financial capacity to simultaneously provide support for two military endeavors.

"We unequivocally have the means to stand in solidarity with Israel and aid its military requirements. Furthermore, it is imperative for us to extend our support to Ukraine in its fight against Russia."

Bidens upcoming remarks, initially announced on Wednesday, follow his recent visit to the Middle East during a time of conflict, which continued despite a devastating explosion at a hospital in Gaza. Although his scheduled meeting with Arab leaders in Amman, Jordan was ultimately canceled just as he was preparing to leave the White House, Biden did spend a significant amount of time in Tel Aviv.

Officials on Wednesday downplayed the cancellation, noting that President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority needed to return to the West Bank to pay respects to the deceased. Biden later dismissed any notion that he was disappointed by the canceled meeting.

"Disappointed? Well, let me tell you, I came here with a purpose and I achieved it," he declared. "There were plenty of skeptics who doubted our ability to accomplish this task, and not many folks want to be linked to failure."

For Biden, this journey during the crucial stages of a possibly prolonged conflict served as the ultimate examination of his unwavering belief - forged over many years - that face-to-face interactions can truly shape individuals and shape the course of events.

The United States, Egypt, and Israel have all indicated their willingness to start delivering aid to Gaza after Biden's highly publicized visit.

During a meeting that lasted longer than anticipated, Biden aimed to leverage his long-standing relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which has experienced considerable tension in the past year, to provide guidance and secure commitments regarding the provision of humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

In advance, officials indicated that Biden planned to address the Israeli leader with challenging inquiries regarding the future direction and intentions of Israel in their efforts to eradicate Hamas in Gaza. Subsequently, Biden provided some insights into the nature of those discussions, or at least his perspective on them.

"I would like to advise you: While experiencing this anger, refrain from being overwhelmed by it," Biden advised his audience, consisting of both Israelis and Americans.

Biden acknowledged the challenges faced by leaders, understanding that the decisions they make are rarely straightforward or uncomplicated. Reflecting on the errors made by the United States following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, he emphasized the need for careful consideration and the willingness to address difficult inquiries. This process entails a clear understanding of the goals at hand and a truthful evaluation of whether the chosen course of action will effectively accomplish those objectives.