In a pivotal moment amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, the Biden administration has cautioned Israel against pursuing offensive actions in response to Iran’s recent barrage of missiles and drones aimed at the country.
According to sources familiar with the matter, President Joe Biden and senior members of his national security team have conveyed to Israeli counterparts that the United States will not participate in any offensive military action against Iran. This stance aims to prevent the eruption of a wider regional conflict following Iran’s provocative attack on Israel.
In a late-night conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Biden framed Israel’s successful interception of the Iranian assault as a significant victory. Biden emphasized that Israel’s ability to thwart the attack demonstrated its superior military capabilities, urging Netanyahu to perceive the event as a triumph and suggesting that further Israeli retaliation might be unnecessary.
John Kirby, the White House national security spokesman, echoed this sentiment, describing Israel’s interception of the Iranian attack as “an incredible success.” Kirby emphasized Israel’s military and diplomatic prowess, highlighting its ability to defend against unprecedented threats with support from allies worldwide.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has reportedly requested Israel to notify the United States in advance of any potential response to the Iranian attack. While underscoring Israel’s prerogative to decide on its course of action, the Biden administration aims to prevent a broader escalation of hostilities in the region.
President Biden intends to convene a meeting of Group of Seven leaders to discuss a united diplomatic response, prioritizing non-military measures to mitigate the risk of a wider conflict. Emphasizing diplomacy over military action, Biden seeks to rally international support for de-escalation efforts.
Following his conversation with Netanyahu, President Biden commended Israel’s capacity to defend against and repel the Iranian attack, asserting that it sends a clear message to adversaries that Israel’s security remains paramount.
However, whether Israel will heed Biden’s advice remains uncertain. The Iranian attack marks a significant escalation in tensions between the two countries, with potential political pressure for Israeli retaliation.
While the Biden administration maintains that the recent attack does not necessarily herald the onset of a broader regional conflict, Israeli officials warn that the confrontation with Iran is far from over. The Israeli war cabinet is set to convene to discuss response options, amid warnings from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of potential direct retaliation in the event of Israeli counteraction.