Joe Biden

He said that it's a smart investment which will pay dividends for American security for generations.

Biden made a Zoom call for about 15 minutes last night with families of Americans taken hostage by Hamas evoking a strong bonding with the Israelis who now idolise him as their father figure. When a White House aide started to end the session, Biden wouldn't have it, according to one of the family members on the call.

He will address the Congress on Thursday announcing the quantum of aid and seeking the House approval. Biden told reporters on Air-Force One on Wednesday while on his return from Tel Aviv that up to 20 trucks of aid from Egypt would be allowed into the besieged enclave in Gaza, once potholes along the road and damage from Israeli airstrikes were repaired. 

The US recognises that Israel must respond to the increased targeting of its northern border by Hezbollah since the shock Hamas onslaught on October 7 in which over 1,400 Israelis were killed, the officials clarified.

The primetime address will take place the eve of the White House requesting north of $100 billion from Congress to deliver aid and resources to Israel, Ukraine, Taiwan and the US border with Mexico, CNN reported.

In a phone conversation, Biden appreciated Egypt's efforts toward achieving peace and stability in the region, the statement added.

He said that the attack on Israel has been described as its 9/11, but he says for a nation as big as Israel it was like 15 times more than 9/11, BBC reported.

The US imposed the financial sanctions on ten members and financiers of Hamas, in the Middle East , particularly Sudan , including figures tied to a covert investment portfolio meant to benefit the militant group, UK's Independent reported. 

Biden, who arrived in Tel Aviv earlier in the day marking an extraordinary wartime visit for the first time since the Hamas launched its surprise assault on October 7, also said that he was "deeply saddened and outraged" by the bombing of the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital on Tuesday, the BBC reported.

Last week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken became the first top Biden administration official to visit the war-torn nation. He has made two back-to-back trips since. According to the White House, Biden will first have a "small restricted bilateral meeting" with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.