Washington - On Saturday, President Joe Biden of the United States engaged in discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, affirming unwavering support for Israel's right to self-defense amidst the unexpected attack by Hamas.

Netanyahu expressed gratitude to Biden for the unequivocal support and stressed the necessity of a forceful, extended campaign, which Israel is determined to succeed in.

The official Israel Prime Minister's account posted on X (formerly Twitter), "President Joe Biden called Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasizing the United States' solidarity with Israel and its full support for Israel's right to self-defense." The post continued, "Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed appreciation to President Biden for his unwavering support and underscored the need for a robust, protracted campaign in which Israel will emerge victorious." President Biden also posted on X, condemning the "appalling Hamas terrorist attacks" and extending condolences to the affected families.

In his statement, President Biden said, "Today, I had a conversation with @IsraeliPM regarding the reprehensible terrorist attacks by Hamas in Israel. I offered our assistance and reiterated my resolute commitment to the security of Israel. @FLOTUS and I convey our deepest sympathies to the families who have suffered losses."

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also voiced "unequivocal condemnation" of the Hamas attacks, stating, "We unequivocally condemn the reprehensible attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israel. We stand firmly with the government and people of Israel and offer our condolences for the Israeli lives lost in these attacks," as posted on X.

Earlier in the day, the U.S. declared that there is never any justification for terrorism and affirmed its steadfast support for the government and citizens of Israel. White House National Security Council Spokesperson Adrienne Watson mentioned that U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan had communicated with his Israeli counterpart, Tzachi Hanegbi, emphasizing the close contact between the U.S. and Israel.

In response to the attack, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin assured that Washington would provide Israel with all the necessary resources to defend itself, as reported by the Jerusalem Post. This assurance came after a barrage of rockets struck southern and central Israel following Hamas's surprise attack on Saturday morning.

As per the latest updates, The Times of Israel reported that at least 100 people have been killed, and over 900 individuals are injured. In a strong response to the Hamas rocket attack, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that Israel's primary focus is to restore security and exact a significant price from the aggressor.

Addressing a Security Cabinet meeting in Israel, Netanyahu called on the citizens to unite for a victorious outcome in the war. He stated, "Since this morning, the State of Israel has been at war. Our first objective is to clear out the hostile forces that infiltrated our territory and restore security and tranquility to the communities that have been attacked. The second objective, simultaneously, is to exact a significant price from the enemy, within the Gaza Strip as well. The third objective is to bolster other fronts to prevent any inadvertent entry into this conflict."

He further added, "We are at war. In times of war, one must remain composed. I call upon all Israeli citizens to unite in pursuit of our ultimate goal: victory in this war." Israel has officially declared a state of war following Hamas fighters' infiltration and missile attacks from Gaza.

The Israel Defense Forces initiated "Operation Iron Swords" in response to Hamas's unexpected attack on Israel, as reported by The Times of Israel. The IDF is targeting Hamas positions in Gaza and engaging Hamas terrorists in various locations in Southern Israel near the Gaza Strip border, including the towns of Kfar Aza, Sderot, Sufa, Nahal Oz, Magen, Be'eri, and the Re'im military bas