( Fox )
President Biden called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday and expressed the United State's full support for Israel as the country responds to a massive terrorist attack.
"US President Joe Biden called Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and emphasized that the US stands by Israel and fully supports Israel's right to defend itself," the prime minister's office said at 10:00 a.m. ET Saturday.
"The Prime Minister thanked the US President for his unreserved support and made it clear that a prolonged and powerful campaign would be required in which Israel would win."
Senior national security officials briefed Biden Saturday morning on the "appalling Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel," the White House said. "The president will continue to receive updates and White House officials remain in close contact with Israeli partners," officials said.
Several top officials in the Biden administration have strongly condemned the attacks by Hamas, which have reportedly killed more than 100 Israelis.
"I am closely monitoring developments in Israel. Our commitment to Israel's right to defend itself remains unwavering, and I extend my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this abhorrent attack on civilians," Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement. "Over the coming days the Department of Defense will work to ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself and protect civilians from indiscriminate violence and terrorism."
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States "unequivocally condemns the appalling attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israel, including civilians and civilian communities.
"There is never any justification for terrorism," Blinken said. "We stand in solidarity with the government and people of Israel, and extend our condolences for the Israeli lives lost in these attacks. We will remain in close contact with our Israeli partners. The United States supports Israel’s right to defend itself."
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