As tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East, President Joe Biden has made the decision to cancel his planned trip to Colorado on Monday. The White House announced the sudden change of plans just hours before the president was set to depart, citing the need for Biden to closely monitor the developing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Israel has ramped up its military presence near the Gaza border and has launched a massive bombing campaign in response to last weekend's attack by Hamas terrorists, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,400 Israelis. The country's military has also issued warnings for civilians to evacuate the northern part of the Gaza Strip.

60 Minutes host Scott Pelley asked Biden if “the threat of terrorism in the United States increased” as a result of the attacks.

“Yes,” Biden responded. “I had a meeting this morning with the Homeland Security people, with the FBI, with — for the Situation Room, for the better part of an hour to discuss how we make sure that we prevent a lone wolf and/or any coordinated effort to try to do what was done in synagogues before, do what was done to Jews in the street. We’re making a major effort to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

The last-minute cancellation of the trip underscores how seriously Biden is taking the situation in the Middle East. White House officials have stated that discussions are underway for a possible Biden visit to the region and that an invitation has been extended by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. However, for the time being, there are no confirmed travel plans.

Biden's visit to Colorado would have highlighted his clean energy agenda and the jobs created by the Inflation Reduction Act. He was set to speak at CS Wind, the largest wind tower manufacturer in the world, and also tour the facility. CS Wind is currently undergoing an expansion that is expected to bring 850 new jobs to the area by 2026.

Rep. Lauren Boebert, a Colorado Republican, represents the Pueblo district and barely held onto her seat in the 2022 election. The president's visit to her home district would have been symbolic, as it aligned with his ongoing focus on clean energy and job creation in the fight against climate change.

The president has faced criticism in recent days for not having many public events on his schedule. However, the White House has clarified that his time has been consumed with monitoring the situation in the Middle East and holding meetings with his national security team.

Secretary of State Anthony Blinken is currently in Tel Aviv for additional meetings with Israeli leaders. He has also traveled to meet with top US allies in the region and stressed the importance of ensuring humanitarian supplies can reach Gaza. Biden says he has remained in close contact with allies and has held multiple phone calls with Netanyahu over the past week.

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This would have been Biden's second trip to Colorado this year and his fifth since taking office. Despite the cancellation of his visit, he remains committed to addressing important issues within the state, including the recent terror attacks carried out by Hamas.

In a letter to the White House requesting a meeting with the president, Colorado House Minority Leader Mike Lynch urged the president to take decisive action in response to these attacks and protect American lives and the principles of freedom and democracy.