Commenting on United States (US) President Joe Biden’s visit to Israel, SMU Associate Professor of Political Science John Donaldson said the US President’s initial plan for the visit was to send a strong message of support for Israel. Assoc Prof Donaldson shared the complications that have arisen in the wake of the hospital strike and conflicting reports about responsibility. He also noted US’ show of force aims to send a message of deterrence to other countries or parties from joining in against Israel. When asked if the US President could convince Israel to avoid an invasion into Gaza, Assoc Prof Donaldson said, “I'm not sure he can do much about that at all.”