Significant Actions, December 23-25 2023

1. First Lady Jill Biden at Fort Campbell, KY:
   • Expressed gratitude and solidarity with military families during a holiday celebration.
   • Acknowledged sacrifices and resilience of military families.
   • Recognized Major Quiros and others for their service.
   • Thanked organizations like Armed Services YMCA, Toys for Tots, and Mission Barbeque for contributions.
   • Emphasized the importance of seeking and accepting help.
   • Conveyed the Bidens’ support for the military community.
   • Brought Santa as a special guest to lift spirits.
2. President Biden’s Call with Prime Minister Netanyahu:
   • Discussed Israel’s military activities in Gaza, focusing on goals and progression.
   • Emphasized the necessity of safeguarding civilians and enabling safe relocation.
   • Discussed securing the release of remaining hostages.
   • Agreed to uphold regular communication between the two leaders.
3. President Biden’s Declaration of Disaster in Utah:
   • Authorized Federal assistance for flood-impacted regions from May 1 to May 27, 2023.
   • Federal financial support for emergency interventions, facility restoration, and hazard mitigation.
   • Jon K. Huss from FEMA designated to coordinate Federal recovery operations.
4. President Biden’s Press Interaction:
   • Answered questions before boarding Marine One on December 23, 2023.
   • Discussed a private conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
   • Expressed optimism about the economy and urged accurate reporting.
   • Addressed questions about presidential immunity, ceasefire request, and Africa collaboration.
   • Wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
5. Biden Family Christmas Plans:
   • President Biden, with family, chose Camp David for Christmas holiday.
   • First Lady Jill Biden joined the family after visiting military families.
   • Spent Christmas Day speaking with military personnel as part of an annual tradition.
   • Scheduled to return to Washington on Tuesday and celebrate New Year’s in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.
6.  Drone Targets Military Personnel In Iraq:

• Casualties:
  • Three U.S. service-members were wounded in the attack.
  • One service-member is in critical condition.
• Claim of Responsibility:
  • Kataib Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia, claimed responsibility for the attack.
• Presidential Response:
  • President Biden was briefed on the situation.
  • He ordered the Department of Defense to prepare response options.
• Counterstrikes:
  • Strikes were directed against three locations associated with Kataib Hezbollah’s unmanned aerial drone activities.
• Priority of Protection:
  • The President emphasized the priority of protecting American personnel.
• Warning and Future Action:
  • President Biden warned of further U.S. action if such attacks persist.