Despite calling a lid before noon on Monday, the White House did release a statement from President Biden later in the afternoon, providing an update on what the administration knows about Americans in Israel.
11 confirmed dead. Others “likely” kidnapped.
Read President Biden’s statement below:
“As we continue to account for the horrors of the appalling terrorist assault against Israel this weekend and the hundreds of innocent civilians who were murdered, we are seeing the immense scale and reach of this tragedy,” the statement reads. “Sadly, we now know that at least 11 American citizens were among those killed—many of whom made a second home in Israel.
“We also know that American citizens still remain unaccounted for, and we are working with Israeli officials to obtain more information as to their whereabouts,” adds Biden. “… While we are still working to confirm, we believe it is likely that American citizens may be among those being held by Hamas.”
“This is not some distant tragedy. The ties between Israel and the United States run deep. It is personal for so many American families who are feeling the pain of this attack as well as the scars inflicted through millennia of antisemitism and persecution of Jewish people …”
“In this moment of heartbreak, the American people stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Israelis. We remember the pain of being attacked by terrorists at home, and Americans across the country stand united against these evil acts that have once more claimed innocent American lives. It is an outrage. And we will continue to show the world that the American people are unwavering in our resolve to oppose terrorism in all forms.
“The United States and the State of Israel are inseparable partners, and I affirmed to Prime Minister Netanyahu again when we spoke yesterday that the United States will continue to make sure Israel has what it needs to defend itself and its people.”
This story is developing…
