Security blunder? White House faces backlash for posting Biden's photo with US troops in Israel

A post from the White House -- in which US President Joe Biden was seen engaging with US frontline soldiers deployed in war-torn Israel -- has received major criticism for revealing the identity of troops. The post was uploaded to the social media platform on October 19, reported Fox News.  

However, the White House account took down the photo soon after it was shared on social media platforms. According to the reports, Instagram users have slammed Biden's team for the dangerous mistake and have also accused the administration of "compromising" the troops' faces while they were in Israel in the wake of the Hamas terrorist attack, reported Fox News.

Taking to Instagram, the White House shared a picture where one can see US soldiers and the US President shaking hands. “In Israel, President Biden met with first responders to thank them for their bravery and the work they're doing in response to the Hamas terrorist attacks,” the photo caption read.

The post, which has revealed the identity of the soldiers, was uploaded for approximately an hour before officials realised the mistake, said a White House spokesperson, reported New York Post.  

“As soon as this was brought to our attention, we immediately deleted the photo,” said the White House Representative. The spokesperson added,  “We regret the error and any issues this may have caused.”

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder has been asked to confirm if the soldiers seen were US special operators and if there was a policy against taking photos of special forces. To which Ryder blamed the White House and stated, "I'd have to refer you to the White House on that. I just don't have any to provide. Thank you."

Biden visits to Israel amid war

In Israel, Biden met doctors including United Hatzalah founder Eli Beer, who treated victims of the Hamas onslaught, reported The Times of Israel. During the meeting, the paramedics told Biden how they have been treating victims of the attacks in the field. The US President lauded the heroism of Israelis, civilians who fought terrorists, medics who treated victims and reservists who left everything to save civilians' lives during the Hamas attack.

After wrapping up his visit to Israel, the Biden administration has called for more aid for Israel and Ukraine. He has urged for additional US aid for Ukraine and Israel, during a televised address from the Oval Office, stating that “American leadership is what holds the world together.”

The address came hours after returning to Washington from an urgent visit to Israel to show US support in the wake of a deadly attack by Hamas on Oct. 7. The US President stated that Israel needs help to defend itself from Hamas. He also said the US must help Ukraine stop the advances of Russian President Vladimir Putin to keep other “would-be aggressors” from trying to take over other countries, reported AP.  To fulfil the aid, he would soon be sending lawmakers an “urgent budget request” on Friday to fund U.S. national security needs.