United States President Joe Biden, in a televised address from the White House on Thursday, emphasized that the U.S. is not authoritarian, but insisted that “order must prevail” in response to the nationwide campus protests concerning the war in Gaza. Biden underlined that there was “no place” for antisemitism or other forms of hate speech on university campuses. “We are not an authoritarian nation where we silence people or squash dissent,” President Biden stated. “But neither are we a lawless country. We’re a civil society, and order must prevail.”

Israeli President Criticizes U.S. University Atmosphere

Amidst these domestic tensions, Israel’s President Isaac Herzog criticized the atmosphere in U.S. universities, describing them as “contaminated by hatred and anti-Semitism.” Herzog’s remarks were aimed at the support shown by some university demonstrations towards actions against Israel. “We see prominent academic institutions, halls of history, culture, and education contaminated by hatred and anti-Semitism fuelled by arrogance and ignorance… We watch in horror as the atrocities of October 7th against Israel are celebrated and justified,” Herzog commented, expressing his dismay and extending support to Jewish students across these institutions.

Developments in Ceasefire Talks

In international developments, amid the escalating conflict in West Asia, a delegation from the Palestinian group Hamas is scheduled to visit Egypt soon for further ceasefire discussions. On Thursday, Hamas announced a “positive spirit in studying the ceasefire proposal” during a phone conversation between Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh and Egypt’s intelligence chief Abbas Kamel.

Balancing Free Speech and Order

The dual emphasis on maintaining order while respecting free speech rights highlights the delicate balance the U.S. must navigate during such tumultuous times. President Biden’s comments reflect a broader struggle to uphold civil norms while addressing deeply rooted international conflicts that resonate within U.S. borders.

  antisemitism on campus, Hamas ceasefire talks, Israel President Isaac Herzog, Joe Biden, Joe Biden campus protests, US Gaza conflict reaction