U.S. President Joe Biden said that both freedom of speech and the rule of law must be respected in protests at college campuses over Israel's war in Gaza. In response to a reporter's question, Biden said that the campus protests had not forced him to reconsider his policies in the Middle East.

Washington

U.S. President Joe Biden has addressed the ongoing student protests at college campuses across the United States regarding Israel's war in Gaza. Biden emphasized the importance of respecting both freedom of speech and the rule of law during these protests. While responding to inquiries, he made it clear that these events have not prompted him to alter his Middle East policies.

During his statement from the White House Roosevelt Room, President Biden affirmed his unwavering support for Israel, stating that his stance remains unchanged despite the protests. He highlighted that the right to dissent and protest must be exercised lawfully. Biden expressed his concern over violent expressions of free speech but indicated he would refrain from deploying the National Guard at this time.

The President underscored the principles of free speech and the rule of law as fundamental to American democracy. He reiterated that the United States is not an authoritarian country that suppresses dissent or silences its people. Peaceful protest, according to Biden, aligns with the country's tradition of responding to significant issues, yet he insisted on maintaining order and not becoming a lawless nation.

The report concludes with observations on the potential political implications of Biden's support for Israel. It suggests that his position might influence former President Donald Trump's chances of a return to the White House. It also notes that, amid increasing student protests, new polls indicate a decline in President Biden's approval ratings.



Biden breaks silence on protests at University Campuses

As student protests on colleges and universities across the United States continue to intensify, U.S. President Joe Biden finally broke his silence. Speaking from the White House Roosevelt Room, the U.S. President said that he supports Americans' right to dissent and also to protest, but he says that it must be done so lawfully. He also says that when it comes to his ironclad support of Israel, his policies are not going to change. He says that while he sees that there is, in some cases, violent freedom of expression, he is going to at this point hold back on any calls to bring in the National Guard. We've all seen the images, and they put to the test two fundamental American principles. The first is the right to free speech and for people to peacefully assemble and make their voices heard. The second is the rule of law. Both must be upheld. We are not an authoritarian nation where we silence people or squash dissent. The American people are heard. In fact, peaceful protest is in the best tradition of how Americans respond to consequential issues. But, but, neither are we a lawless country. President Biden's support for Israel could, in fact, determine whether the former President Donald Trump returns to the White House. In fact, as student protests continue to ramp up across the country, new polls show that, in fact, the current President Joe Biden's approval ratings have fallen to historic lows. Kimberly Helkett, Al Jazeera, the White House.

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