President Biden’s recent visit to Israel was a poignant gesture of loyalty, emotion, and obvious caution. After his warm reception from Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden emphasized his unshakable support for the nation and its security.
Biden’s words conveyed both his loyalty to Israel and his awareness of their current issues. He declared unconditionally that the United States will always provide unwavering support for Israel, as he stated that “the bonds between us run deep and at every turn, our friendship will not waiver.” He also acknowledged and condemned the latest violence coming from the extremist factions within both Palestinians and Israelis.
The President also took the time to remember the victims of terrorism, speaking emotionally of the US Embassy bombing in Lebanon and the Holocaust, in which his own family members suffered. This expression of emotion was a special moment that reminded his audience of the importance of honoring the past while working towards a peaceful future.
The clear caution present in Biden’s words must also be noted. He did not sugarcoat the tough issues at hand saying, “peace must be made by the Israelis and Palestinians themselves, it can’t be imposed on them from outside.” He also warned of the risks that must be taken when pursuing a two-state solution stating, “We must never assume the path to peace is a straight line.”
President Biden’s visit to Israel was a special one that condemned violence and extremism, paid homage to those who were lost, and reminded the audience of the strong friendship between the United States and Israel. At the same time his words also served to wisely caution his audience that the path to a resolution will be an arduous one, requiring determination, communication, and a willingness to take risks.