White House: No signs of threat to US stemming from Hamas attack on Israel

U.S. intelligence agencies have not seen any indication of a threat to the United States stemming from the recent Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel, the White House said Friday.

“I want to be completely and crystal clear on one thing,” John Kirby, a spokesperson on national security issues, told reporters. “At this time, none of our intel agencies have any specific intelligence indicating a threat to the United States stemming from the Hamas terrorist attack in Israel. That said, we continue to remain vigilant to any and all threats.”

Multiple news outlets have reported local and federal law enforcement agencies in the United States have increased patrols and security measures, particularly around Jewish places of worship and community centers.

The increased security came after former Hamas leader Khaled Mashal called for Friday to be a day of “anger” following the Palestinian militant group’s attacks on Israel.

Hamas, which controls Gaza, launched attacks last weekend that have left more than 1,000 Israelis dead and sparked fears of a wider war in the Middle East. Thousands of Palestinians have died in subsequent strikes in Gaza, and Israeli forces are preparing for operational raids in Gaza.

Twenty-seven Americans have died in the violence, and 14 remain unaccounted for.

Antisemitic incidents have been on the rise in recent years, and President Biden met with Jewish leaders at the White House this week to offer his support for the community.

Biden said Wednesday he had asked Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas and Attorney General Merrick Garland to work with the Jewish community to “identify, prevent, and disrupt emerging threats that occur.”