The White House on Monday night was illuminated with blue and white light to show support for Israel following the attacks by Hamas on Israel that left as many as 800 people dead. The action came after a call by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) as a “symbolic support in the wake of Israel-Hamas war,” the White House coordinator for Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk posted with a photo of the lights on Facebook.
The display was also a show of solidarity with the Israeli people and their “steadfast commitment to democracy and freedom in the face of brutal terrorist attacks,” McGurk wrote. It was a reminder that the United States and Israel are “one people, with one destiny,” he added.
In addition to the White House display, other notable landmarks around the world lit up in the colors of the Israeli flag to show their support for Israel, The Hill reported. These include the Eiffel Tower in Paris, New York City’s Empire State Building, and London’s 10 Downing Street office complex.
The displays were not without criticism. Fox News host Jeanine Pirro slammed the administration for using the flags, pointing out that other countries have their embassies lit up in Israel’s colors. “Why is America the only one doing it?” she asked. “Is this just another example of the Trump administration showing how much it cares about the Israeli people?”
President Joe Biden is set to convene a call with leaders of France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom — the so-called Quint — on Monday afternoon regarding the situation in Israel, which has now entered its third day as Israel carries out heavy airstrikes against Hamas militants. Two Western officials tell CNN that the call is intended to provide further coordination on military and humanitarian aid to Israel as it faces a massive uptick in rocket fire from Gaza.
Biden, who has spoken to Netanyahu multiple times since the attacks began, is expected to reiterate the administration’s position that negotiations with Hamas will not succeed. He will also likely warn that American citizens are missing in Israel and urge continued cooperation with Israel.
The White House has already vowed to provide “steadfast and unwavering support for Israel” in the aftermath of the attack, and national security spokesman John Kirby said the iconic White House will be lit up in the blue and white colors of the Israeli flag after sunset. “This will be a powerful, visible demonstration that the United States unequivocally condemns these horrific terrorist attacks in Israel, which have killed and wounded innocent civilians, including children, and that America stands with Israel,” Kirby said on Monday. “Tonight, America tells the Israeli people, the world, and terrorists everywhere that we stand with Israel.” On Tuesday, the president will also address the crisis in a nationally televised prime-time address.
