‘Hamas, Russia both want to annihilate neighbouring democracy’: Biden in rare address

In a rare speech to the US from the Oval Office, President Joe Biden said called Hamas and Russia, both are out to ‘annihilate’ democracies. His remarks made the case for assistance to Ukraine and Israel as a vital US interest.

Joe Biden addresses nation in rare speech

Addressing the nation in a prime-time speech, Biden said, “Hamas and Russian President Vladimir Putin "represent different threats but they share this in common: they both want to completely annihilate a neighbouring democracy.”

#WATCH | US President Joe Biden says "The assault on Israel echoes nearly 20 months of war, tragedy, and brutality inflicted on the people of Ukraine, people that were very badly hurt since Putin launched his all-out invasion. Hamas and Putin represent different threats, but they… pic.twitter.com/QwgHQfivT3

— ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2023

"We can't let petty partisan angry politics get in the way of our responsibility as a great nation. We cannot and will not let terrorists like Hamas and tyrants like Putin win. I refuse to let that happen," he said.

Further, the US president also said that he would ask Congress to approve massive funding to help Ukraine and Israel on Friday, arguing that this war is an investment for the US’s future as a global leader.

"It is a smart investment that's going to pay dividends for American security for generations," he said in just the second speech of his presidency delivered from behind the historic Resolute Desk.

"American leadership is what holds the world together. American alliances are what keep us, America, safe. American values are what make us a partner that other nations want to work with," the 80-year-old Democrat added.

#WATCH | US President Joe Biden says "As the President, there is no higher priority for me than the safety of Americans who are hostage...In Israel, I saw people who are strong, determined, resilient, and also angry, in shock, and in deep, deep pain. I also spoke with President… pic.twitter.com/qWy3xJHE8p

— ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2023

Moreover, he added, “America is a beacon to the world. Still. Still.”

White House to request Congress for $100 billion aid to Israel

After Biden’s speech, the White House reportedly teed up a huge request to Congress for a $100 billion package that would include funding for Israel in its war with Hamas and also for Ukraine's battle against Russian invasion.

Tying together two conflicts an ocean away from the United States is a bid by Joe Biden to frame them as part of a bigger struggle to shape the world order and protect Americans at home.

Biden takes a swipe at Iran

During his surprise televised speech, the president also slammed Iran for supporting Russia and Hamas. He said, “...Iran is supporting Russia's in Ukraine, and it's supporting Hamas and other terrorist groups in the region and will continue to hold them accountable, I might add. The United States and our partners across the region are working to build a better future for the Middle East, one where the Middle East is more stable, and better connected to its neighbours, and through innovative projects like the Indian Middle East-Europe Rail Corridor that I announced this year at the summit of the world's biggest economies…”

#WATCH | US President Joe Biden says "...Iran is supporting Russia's in Ukraine, and it's supporting Hamas and other terrorist groups in the region and will continue to hold them accountable, I might add. The United States and our partners across the region are working to build a… pic.twitter.com/qniDnX0ZZc

— ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2023