White House lights up blue and white for Israel

The White House lit up in blue and white to show support for Israel, an action that comes after a call by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) following the attacks by Hamas on Israel that left as many as 800 people dead.

The move “symbolizes the ironclad support and solidarity of the American people with the people of Israel in the wake of the barbaric terrorist attacks committed by Hamas,” according to the White House, which noted that Israel and the U.S. has a 75-year long relationship.

“White House in White and Blue tonight. We stand with Israel,” White House coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa, Brett McGurk, posted with a photograph of the lights.

National security spokesman John Kirby told reporters earlier on Monday that the White House would be lit up in the colors of the Israeli flag after sundown, which was just before 7 p.m. ET. Graham had called on Biden to light up 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. in the Israeli flag colors, saying that the president displayed colors for Pride Month and should do it for Israel.

Other notable landmarks have been lit up with the colors of the Israeli flag since the attacks, including the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Empire State building in New York City and a giant screen in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv. 

Additionally, the Sydney Opera House, 10 Downing St. in London and the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin have also been lit up to show support for Israel.

Hamas launched attacks on Israel on Saturday, targeting civilians in towns and a music festival taking place near the Gaza Strip. Israel has since launched hundreds of rockets into Gaza.

President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have spoken several times since the attacks began. The president announced Monday that 11 Americans have been killed in the attacks against Israel and warned American citizens may be among those being held hostage by Hamas, a governing authority recognized as a terrorist group by the U.S. government.

Updated at 8:52 pm.