|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Biden Tells Netanyahu that US Won’t Engage in Counterattack on Iran; Urges Israel Not to Respond
Edited by: Fern Sidman
As tensions simmer in the Middle East following Iran’s recent barrage of drones and missiles aimed at Israeli territory, President Joe Biden has conveyed a clear message to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: Washington will not support a counterattack on Iran by Israel, according to a detailed report on Axios.com.
During a call between the two leaders in the aftermath of the Iranian attacks, Biden emphasized that the United States “will not participate in any offensive operations against Iran and will not support such operations,” according to a White House official cited by Axios.
⚡️BREAKING: Axios reports that Biden told Netanyahu the US won’t support an Israeli counterattack on Iran. pic.twitter.com/nmT8nKplnt
— Suppressed News (@SuppressedNws) April 14, 2024
Biden convened a meeting with his security advisers to assess the situation comprehensively. While recognizing the gravity of the escalating tensions, Biden and his senior advisers expressed deep concern over the potential for an Israeli response to Iran’s aggression, fearing it could spark a regional conflict with catastrophic consequences.
Netanyahu, in response, acknowledged Biden’s position, indicating his understanding of the United States’ stance on the matter.
Highlighting the success of joint defensive efforts by the United States, Israel, and other regional nations, Biden praised the collaborative efforts that led to the failure of the Iranian attack. Axios also reported that he commended Israel for its resilience, telling Netanyahu, “you got a win. Take the win.”
In an official statement following his call with Netanyahu, Biden condemned the attacks launched by Iran and its proxies operating in Yemen, Syria, and Iraq in the strongest terms possible. According to the information provided in the Axios.com report, he reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Israel’s defense, noting that the U.S. military had deployed aircraft and ballistic missile defense destroyers to the region in response to the escalating threat.
“We helped Israel take down nearly all the incoming drones and missiles,” Biden stated, underscoring the close coordination and cooperation between the two allies in confronting shared security challenges.
He praised Israel’s ability to deter and defeat threats, sending a clear message to its adversaries that attempts to undermine its security will not succeed.
Biden also announced plans to convene a meeting with fellow G7 leaders to coordinate a united diplomatic response to Iran’s brazen attack, as was reported by Axios.com. This coordinated effort reflects the international community’s determination to address threats to regional stability and security effectively.
“We will remain vigilant to all threats and will not hesitate to take all necessary action to protect our people,” Biden affirmed, calling attention to the United States’ readiness to respond decisively to any challenges to its allies’ security.
The attack, purportedly in retaliation for an April 1 airstrike on Iran’s consulate in Damascus that resulted in casualties, has further heightened the volatile situation in the region. While Israel has not officially acknowledged the airstrike on Iran’s consulate, the aftermath of the attack places a spotlight on the potential for further escalation.
The Israeli military has reported intercepting the “vast majority” of Iranian missiles and drones, though some minor damage to infrastructure in southern Israel has been recorded, according to Axios.
In response to the escalating crisis, Biden has announced plans to convene the other G7 leaders to coordinate a “united diplomatic response to Iran’s brazen attack,” as was pointed out in the Axios.com report. Biden condemned the attacks in the strongest possible terms, emphasizing the need for a collective response to address the security challenges posed by Iran and its proxies operating in Yemen, Syria, and Iraq.
