‘Smart investment that will pay dividends for generations,’ says Biden on budget request to Congress on Israel

US President Joe Biden, in his address to the nation, said he will be submitting an urgent budget request for Congress on Friday to “fund America’s national security needs to support our critical partners, including Israel and Ukraine.”

Biden asserted that, “It is a smart investment that’s going to pay dividends for American security for generations.”

Tomorrow, President Biden will send an urgent budget request to Congress to fund America’s national security needs and to support our critical partners – including Israel and Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/sQR65EnuVc

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) October 20, 2023

How will US fund help?

In his address from the Oval Office, Biden explained that the fund will help the US keep American troops "out of harm's way."

He further indicated that the defence aid to both countries will be instead of sending US troops to fight in either war.

“We do not seek to have American troops fighting in Russia or fighting against Russia,” he said. However, he did not rule out the possibility of US troops getting involved in the Gaza war.

Meanwhile, a report by The Times of Israel quoted two officials familiar with the matter saying the Biden officials have indicated to Israel in recent days that if Hezbollah initiates a war against Israel, the US military will join the IDF in fighting the Iran-backed Lebanese terror group.

'Aid will help build a world that is safer'

The US President further said the funds, for which he will request Congress on Friday, will “help us build a world that is safer, more peaceful, more prosperous for our children and grandchildren."

“American alliances are what keep us America safe. American values are what make us a partner nations want to work with. To put all that at risk if we walk away from Ukraine or if we turn our backs on Israel — it’s just not worth it,” Biden asserted.

US will always make sure Israel have what it needs to protect their people, the US President said.

Security package an unprecedented commitment to Israel's security 

Biden said the security package that he was sending to Congress "is an unprecedented commitment to Israel’s security that will sharpen Israel’s qualitative military edge, which we’ve committed [upholding].”

“We’re going to make sure Iron Dome continues to guard the skies over Israel. We’re going to make sure other hostile actors in the region know that Israel is stronger than ever and prevent this conflict from spreading,” the US President said.

Biden also said the US and its partners across the region have been working to build a "better future" for the West Asia — One where the West Asia is more stable and better connected to its neighbors through innovative projects like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.

With inputs from agencies