Biden Says ‘Vast Majority’ of American People Devoted to Israel’s Security

The president previously said progressive Democrats that are critical of Israel are 'wrong'

On Thursday, President Biden said he believes the “vast majority” of Americans are committed to Israel’s security. The president made the comments from Jerusalem after holding a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid.

“I think the vast majority of the American public, not just my administration — is completely devoted to Israel’s security without any ifs, ands, or buts — without any doubts about it,” Biden told reporters.

Biden made the comments a day after an interview aired on Israeli TV where he said progressives Democrats that have denounced Israel as an apartheid state were “wrong.”

“There are few of them. I think they’re wrong. I think they’re making a mistake,” he said. The president added that he makes “no apologies” for his support of Israel.

While the vast majority of Congress supports Israel, it is significant that there are lawmakers willing to criticize the relationship now, whereas, for decades, there was virtually no dissent on the issue. Polling also shows that there has been an increase in sympathy for Palestinians in the US, mostly among youth, although most Americans polled are still pro-Israel.

Also on Thursday, Biden received a medal from Israeli President Isaac Herzog and delivered a speech where he heaped praise on the state of Israel. “Seeing Israel thrive, seeing the wildest dreams of Israel’s founding fathers and mothers grow into a reality that Israel’s children enjoy today, to me is close to miraculous,” he said.

From his early days as a senator until now, Biden has always been a staunch supporter of Israel. “I’ve known many of you for a long time. And all of you, you know that my love for Israel is deep-rooted,” he said at the medal ceremony.

Author: Dave DeCamp

Dave DeCamp is the news editor of Antiwar.com, follow him on Twitter @decampdave.